Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati warned that Lebanon faces the danger of demise, calling for the existence of a “minimum” government to stop the collapse.

Mikati confirmed, via an interview with Al-Hadath, that “the government will be formed and I will deal positively regarding the formation process,” and “the apology is not on my agenda for the time being.”

He continued, “There are immense obstacles, and I hope to overcome them, and President of the Republic, Michel Aoun, is well aware of where the obstacles lie.”

Regarding the atmosphere of meetings with President Aoun, Mikati said: “Some meetings with the president are positive and some are negative,” noting that “some of those involved in forming the government, are dealing as if we were in a pre-Taif constitution era.”

He added, “There is no problem with listening to the caretaker prime minister, Hassan Diab, about the port explosion file, but the method of summoning the resigned prime minister showed him as if he was accused, and the former Prime Ministers’ stance does not aim at protecting any party.”

Regarding Iranian oil ships, Mikati said: “We are against any issue that harms Lebanon’s interests, and Lebanon will only be in the Arab embrace.”

Mikati stressed that “it is my role to distance Lebanon from any strikes,” noting that “the period of forming the government is getting narrower, and I am still positive and optimistic about finding solutions.”