In Madrid, Hariri Says Govt. Formation Nearing, Consensus is 'Only Solution'

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri reassured Friday that the new Cabinet will be formed soon, as he stressed “the importance of consensus” in the country.

“A government cannot be formed on the basis of majority and minority; we tried this in the past and we didn't succeed. Accordingly, consensus is the only solution in the country,” Hariri added during a meeting with Lebanese students at the IE Business School in Madrid.

“My role as a premier-designate is to bring together the various parties despite all the present political disputes, which we must put aside and focus our work on advancing the country and developing its various sectors,” Hariri added.

Earlier in the day, Hariri held talks with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchezon the developments in Lebanon and the region and the bilateral relations between the two countries.

After a bilateral meeting between Hariri and Sánchez, an expanded meeting was held in the presence of caretaker Culture Minister Ghattas Khoury, Spanish Culture MinisterJosé Guirao, Lebanon’s Ambassador to Spain Hala Keyrouz, Spain’s Ambassador to Lebanon José María Ferré de la Peña and members of the two delegations.

Hariri wrote in the book of honor the following statement: “I look forward to developing our bilateral relations with this beautiful country which has always helped Lebanon. We must work together for the benefit of our two peoples. The Lebanese people and I also thank Spain for its soldiers who are part of UNIFIL and who contribute to securing peace in Lebanon."