Lebanon: Pressure Mounts on Mikati’s Government for Failing to Confront ‘Hezbollah’

Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)
Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)
TT

Lebanon: Pressure Mounts on Mikati’s Government for Failing to Confront ‘Hezbollah’

Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)
Politicians stressed pressure on President Najib Mikati in light of the faltering efforts to settle the crisis caused by the Minister of Information George Kordahi (AFP)

The crisis with Gulf states and its repercussions have become the focus of political stances in Lebanon, with many calling for expediting solutions and the resignation of Information Minister George Kordahi.

Some even called for Prime Minister Najib Mikati to step down alongside other ministers because of Hezbollah’s hegemony over the work of a rather “helpless” government.

“The Arab option must not fall at all, and all Lebanese parties must listen to the voice of reason,” urged Democratic Gathering Secretary, MP Hadi Abou al-Hassan, adding that Lebanon cannot withstand a row with fellow Arab countries.

“Kordahi’s resignation is the key to correcting the course of the relationship with the Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) and the Arab Brotherhood, and this requires dialogue and discussion and a return to diplomatic principles,” added al-Hassan.

For his part, Free Patriotic Movement lawmaker Mario Aoun also called for Kordahi’s resignation.

“It became clear that Mikati is desperately asking for the resignation of Kordahi,” said Aoun in a radio interview.

As for the cabinet convening over Kordahi’s dismissal, Aoun said “the subject is yet to be discussed.”

MP Nicolas Nahas, a member of Mikati’s parliamentary bloc, described the current political complications as “major,” noting that efforts are ongoing to curb the escalation with the Gulf states.

He added: “The issue requires a clear and integrated roadmap to rebuild confidence, and the first step begins with Kordahi following his conscience.

“If he does not resign, the president, the prime minister, and the parliament speaker would need to decide what measures to take.”

Nahas stressed: “Serious work is required, and it is not permissible in any way for the people to pay the price for political disputes.”

Former Lebanese Forces lawmaker Fadi Karam, for his part, warned that the government stepping down is “dangerous” and threatens upcoming elections.



Erdogan Says Türkiye Can ‘Crush’ All Terrorists in Syria, Calls for Foreign Powers to ‘Take Hands Off’

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a press conference during the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 19, 2024. (AFP)
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a press conference during the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 19, 2024. (AFP)
TT

Erdogan Says Türkiye Can ‘Crush’ All Terrorists in Syria, Calls for Foreign Powers to ‘Take Hands Off’

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a press conference during the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 19, 2024. (AFP)
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a press conference during the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 19, 2024. (AFP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday urged all countries to "take their hands off" Syria and said Turkey had the capacity and ability to crush all terrorist organizations in the country, including Kurdish militia and ISIS.

Speaking in parliament, Erdogan said the Kurdish YPG militia was the biggest problem in Syria now after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.

The group would not be able to escape its inevitable end unless it lays down its arms, he stressed.