Lebanon

Hariri steps down, may be reappointed

Article published on the 2009-09-11 Latest update 2009-09-11 13:54 TU

Prime Minister designate Saad Hariri.
(Photo: Reuters)

Lebanon entered a new chapter of political uncertainty Thursday as Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down after the Hezbollah-led opposition rejected his proposed cabinet. But the Lebanese press speculates that Hariri may find himself reappointed to try again to form a government.

The son of assassinated billionaire ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, Saad Hariri was named Prime Minister on June 27 after his western-backed alliance defeated a Hezbollah-led coalition, backed by Syria and Iran, earlier that month.

"I worked for 73 days to achieve this objective but each time the rounds of negotiations were hampered one way or another," Hariri told reporters in Beirut.

The announcement comes after more than two months of fruitless efforts. The rejection of Hariri's proposed team sparked fears of a new political crisis in a country where bickering led to deadly fighting only last year.

On Monday, Hariri proposed a 30-seat coalition cabinet to President Michel Sleiman but Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah quickly accused him of proposing a line-up that would only complicate the situation.

Lebanese newspapers on Friday said however he will be asked by Sleiman to return to the post, the French news agency AFP reported.

"Hariri quits and will be reappointed on Tuesday," said the Al-Akhbar leftist daily, which is close to the minority.

"Hariri is prepared to be appointed again with new conditions to stop any attempts at blockage," said An-Nahar, a daily close to the parliamentary majority.

The French-language L'Orient-Le Jour said Hariri's decision to step down had been a tactical ploy.

"By challenging, and being sure to be taken back, Saad Hariri hopes to be able to change the rules of the game," an editorial comented.