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Lebanon: Extensive Efforts to Prevent 'Implosion'

Lebanon: Extensive Efforts to Prevent 'Implosion'

Wednesday, 8 November, 2017 - 07:30
Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian, on Tuesday met at Dar al-Fatwa with the Lebanese Forces leader, Samir Geagea, in the presence of Information Minister Melhem Riachi/NNA

Four days following the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, the Lebanese state gathered on Tuesday all its forces to prevent an implosion of situation in the country.


Political forces were exerting efforts to find a solution that could protect "stability” in the state and reach a settlement among the different parties.


Their efforts could elevate the chances of forming a cabinet of technocrats capable of supervising the upcoming parliamentary elections.


In Beirut, the political dynamic kicked off on two separate lines: President Michel Aoun launched talks with State members at the presidential Palace, while several leaders, along with the French ambassador to Lebanon, had visited the Dar al-Fatwa headquarter to discuss the latest developments.


According to constitutional expert Antoine Saad, Hariri should send his written resignation to President Aoun, who would list it in his archive and give it a number.


Saad told Asharq Al-Awsat that after the president accepts the resignation, he could then issue a presidential decree announcing the resignation of Lebanon’s government.


The expert said that if Hariri does not offer Aoun a written resignation in the near future, then the president has the constitutional right to issue the resignation decree based on Hariri’s televised speech.


Sources close to the talks told Asharq Al-Awsat on Tuesday that following the storm of Hariri’s resignation, Lebanon has now “entered an area of unrest.”


The sources said that the current situation triggered all State leaders and political forces to mobilize in order to “limit the repercussions of the resignation and to consolidate the stability and safety of Lebanon” at this delicate phase.


According to the same sources, “this dynamic kicked off after parties sensed that the situation was dangerous and that there is a need to look for means to protect Lebanon.”


Meanwhile, Hariri’s press office said on Tuesday that the prime minister left Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, where he met with the Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at noon, before returning back to Saudi Arabia.


Head of the Future parliamentary bloc MP Fouad Siniora said on Tuesday that Hariri is expected to return to Lebanon, adding that his homecoming is now a priority.


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