Aoun Says May Call for Consultations Thursday, Warns against Continued Protests
President Michel Aoun on Tuesday said that he might call for parliamentary consultations to name a new premier on Thursday or Friday if the parties concerned respond positively to the proposals, as he warned protesters against continued blocking of roads and state institutions.
“The consultations might be held Thursday or Friday pending the answers of the parties concerned and if they don’t respond, we’ll have to postpone for a few more days,” Aoun said in a TV interview broadcast on all local channels.
“We have resolved most obstacles,” he said, adding that “the protest movement must have a say in the new government.”
On the nature of the new government, the president said: “We cannot form a ‘shock government’… A purely technocratic government cannot decide the country's policies.”
“I back the formation of a government equally composed of politicians and technocrats,” he added.
As for Jebran Bassil’s possible re-appointment as a minister in the new government, Aoun said “it is up to Minister Bassil to choose whether or not to be in the new government,” stressing that “no one has the right to put a veto on him.”
Asked about Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea’s insistence that the new ministers must be totally independent, the president said: “Where can I find them? On the moon?”
As for the negotiations with caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Aoun said Hariri was “hesitant” during their latest meeting.
“He has personal reasons,” the president added.
Addressing protesters, Aoun warned: “I tell the Lebanese that their behavior should not be always negative because this would lead to counter-negativity and we would definitely reach an inter-Lebanese clash.”
Asked about the first measures that must be taken after the formation of the new government, the president said: “The return of citizens to their homes so that the cycle of life can return to normal and let the government work in light and not in darkness.”
“The country will die if protesters remain on the streets, even if we don’t use any force against them,” Aoun cautioned.
As for the financial and monetary crisis in the country, Aoun reassured the Lebanese and told them “not to rush to banks and worsen the problem.”
“Their money is secure and we will solve the crisis,” he added.
He also warned that banks that smuggle funds outside Lebanon “will be held accountable.”
Aoun’s remarks appeared to do little to appease protesters on the streets, who swiftly blocked roads across the country to express their dismay.
over 4 years
Wow; this guy is out of touch with reality that it is on the verge of insanity. The good news is he found the "people of the protest movement because they are citizens who have suffered and I’ve been searching for them"
over 4 years
I bet if they collect the money Berri and his wife stole and don't tell me they didn't and the money the rest of the politicians stole will pay down the debt (11 Billion from Siniora alone). Lebanon is the highest per-capital debt in the world and what do they have to show or the debt; Water, Electricity clean air, jobs . How can you find something better when the Mafia will not allow you Wake up my friend
over 4 years
Seriously, if you can't say anything in 10 minutes or less, then you won't get my attention. Are you listening Aoun, Nasralla, and other random people?
And Aoun on "all means all" protest slogan: Not all officials are corrupt."
It doesn't matter what you believe--if the people think a politician is corrupt, then it is up to each politician to demonstrate that they are not corrupt, and to everyone, not their minions. Sorry, guilty until proven innocent--they brought it on themselves.
over 4 years
I ask you Mr. President you state that "A purely technocratic government cannot take decisions" What decisions have you or your government have taken since you took power other than filling your pockets and the pockets of your family. If there is justice in this world you will be held accountable and put in jail where you and your clan belong.
over 4 years
He's way out of his depth.. suddenly his speech is about defending the image of Hizballa. the man should resign today before tomorrow, the weakest president ever.
over 4 years
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over 4 years
he is an insult to everyone's intelligence
over 4 years
I don't think his interview is going well---he probably should have stopped after a couple of minutes. He hasn't said a word which is going to get the protestors off of the streets and if anything, will probably get more out there.
over 4 years
This guy is living on the moon. If he cannot address corruption in his own party/house among others, and cannot face up to Hizbollah arms... he may have to be ready as the people will be marching on the presidential palace! Deep entrenched corruption in all parties and Hizb arms are 99% responsible for our economic woes and lost of independence, justice and freedom. Wake up!
over 4 years
"There is no dollar shortage in Lebanon. Dollars were rather withdrawn from banks and stored in homes"
Ahahahahahahahahahaha...
over 4 years
« The country will die if protesters remain on the streets, even if we don't use force against them »
WTF!? So this situation is our fault!?
over 4 years
الله يحميه
بي الكل
A fearless man - A real leader - A true statesman.
over 4 years
The problem is that a technocratic government must have its policies approved by the current parliament. We would be then back to square one, and the rot and mismanagement would continue.
A much deeper change is needed in the country, starting with how we elect our representatives.
over 4 years
Aoun on Hizbullah: No one can force me to eliminate a party that represents one third of the Lebanese people.
But you did eliminate one third of the Lebanese people when you wrote an 'one-way ticket' to their representative a few years back.
over 4 years
“لا أبرر نفسي من المسؤولية كوني رئيس جمهورية، ولكن النظام التوافقي في مجلس الوزراء يشل الأمور. يجب ان يزول حكم التوافق في مجلس الوزراء ويجب ان نعود للأكثرية والتصويت، فالقدرة على التنفيذ كانت مشلولة.
How short is his memory?! He was the one insisting on the National Unity government and paralyzed the whole country for years in order to force it on the country.
over 4 years
Best president ever.....
over 4 years
Send him to nursing home in France!
Plus, I think it is Pampers time... again.