Lebanon: Bassil Rules Out Joining Hariri Government

FILE PHOTO: Gebran Bassil, a Lebanese politician and head of the Free Patriotic movement, talks during an interview with Reuters in Sin-el-fil, Lebanon July 7, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gebran Bassil, a Lebanese politician and head of the Free Patriotic movement, talks during an interview with Reuters in Sin-el-fil, Lebanon July 7, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo
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Lebanon: Bassil Rules Out Joining Hariri Government

FILE PHOTO: Gebran Bassil, a Lebanese politician and head of the Free Patriotic movement, talks during an interview with Reuters in Sin-el-fil, Lebanon July 7, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gebran Bassil, a Lebanese politician and head of the Free Patriotic movement, talks during an interview with Reuters in Sin-el-fil, Lebanon July 7, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

The head of the Free Patriotic Movement, Gebran Bassil, on Sunday ruled out joining a new government led by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, a new hurdle for efforts to pull Lebanon out of political and economic paralysis.

Politicians have been at loggerheads over the shape of a new administration since the last one quit in the aftermath of the devastating Aug. 4 Beirut port explosion.

Hariri was named premier for a fourth time in October promising to form a cabinet of specialists to enact reforms necessary to unlock much needed foreign aid.

But Bassil, who is President Michel Aoun’s son-in-law, said in a televised speech the FPM would not join the cabinet as long as Hariri insisted on choosing all ministers.

"We don't entrust Hariri alone with reform in Lebanon," Bassil said. "In short we don't want to take part in this government."

After Bassil's speech, Hariri's al-Mustaqbal movement said it did not want to be dragged into political bickering and that the cabinet line-up was ready and waiting to shoulder its duties.

"It will be a government that will take up the necessary reforms according to the French initiative and not according to sectarian and racist 'Bassil-like' considerations," a statement by the party said.

However, Bassil said Hariri did not appear to be serious about forming a government: "Every time he meets the president he takes a different line-up with him," Bassil said. "Someone who does that is serious and wants to form a government? Or is wasting time?"



Qatar and Lebanon Reaffirm Commitment to Dialogue, Regional Stability

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   
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Qatar and Lebanon Reaffirm Commitment to Dialogue, Regional Stability

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and resolving regional issues through dialogue and diplomacy during a high-level meeting in Doha.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Aoun’s official visit to Qatar, both leaders emphasized the importance of supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. As part of this commitment, Sheikh Tamim announced the renewal of Qatar’s financial assistance to Lebanon’s military, pledging $60 million to support army salaries and providing 162 military vehicles to enhance operational capabilities.

“The Lebanese Army plays a vital national role in maintaining stability and securing the country’s borders, and it is essential to provide it with the necessary support,” the statement read.

Aoun’s visit included a series of discussions aimed at deepening the longstanding ties between the two countries.

In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Tamim said: “Today in Doha, I held important talks with President Joseph Aoun, during which we explored ways to further develop the solid relationship between our two nations — a relationship rooted in cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect.”

“Qatar remains steadfast in its support for Lebanon and its people, and stands ready to assist in their efforts toward recovery, growth, and prosperity,” he added.

The joint statement stressed the shared desire to enhance cooperation across all sectors, strengthen partnerships, and increase trade and investment to serve the mutual interests of both nations.

On regional affairs, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East and reaffirmed the importance of coordinated positions and joint Arab action. They underscored the necessity of resolving conflicts through diplomacy, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in southern Lebanon.

The statement also highlighted the two countries’ unified stance on key Arab issues. Both sides reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions. They also reaffirmed their support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.