Report: Hariri Won’t Stand Down, to Initiate Contacts with Rahi, Berri

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri reportedly dismissed plans to step back from his mission to form a cabinet, with sources expecting him to accelerate contacts with Maronite Patriarch Beshara el-Rahi and Speaker Nabih Berri on the government impasse, the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa e-magazine reported Saturday.

Hariri was waving the possibility of “stepping down” from his mission prior to the visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to Beirut. But he reconsidered that move and was advised to “protect” the premiership post, thus preventing President Michel Aoun from “monopolizing power,” according to al-Anbaa.

According to information obtained by the magazine, Hariri might initiate a move towards the Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai to coordinate positions, and to reactivate the stalled government talks.

He might also initiate a move toward Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to re-examine the possibility of forming a “government of 24 ministers."