Miqati’s Circles: Hariri’s Attack on Hizbullah’s Arms Aimed at Torpedoing National Dialogue

Premier-designate Najib Miqati’s circles accused Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri of holding Miqati responsible for his alliance’s boycott of the new cabinet at a time when Hariri had already made up his mind not to participate in the government.

The circles drew question marks over Hariri’s speech on Monday in which he said March 14 waited for answers from Miqati for a month over its demands on the international tribunal and arms.

Miqati informed both the March 8 and 14 forces and the media since the first day of his nomination that he wouldn’t make prior commitments to any team. “This is unconstitutional,” the circles told As Safir daily in remarks published Tuesday.

They slammed Hariri for his blistering attack on Hizbullah’s arms, saying the campaign against the group’s weapons was aimed at torpedoing national dialogue sessions and resorting to the street.

The caretaker premier accused Hizbullah of using its arms in the past three years to influence political bickering in its favor.

Despite Hariri’s speech, Miqati still holds onto his policy of extended hand to consolidate national unity and stability, the circles said.