MP Saniora: Lebanese cabinet illegitimate

Future bloc leader and MP Fouad Saniora on Saturday voiced concern over that fact that repairing the “damage” done to Lebanon might take a long time. “We are worried that repairing the damage done to the state, administration and economy will take a very long time and this makes the prolongation of the current government very costly,” Saniora said during a ceremony held at the Beirut residence of former premier Saad Hariri on the occasion of Europe Day. The event was organised in honour of EU Ambassador to Lebanon Angelina Eichhorst and other European ambassadors in Beirut. It was attended by Saniora, MP Bahia Hariri, in addition to others, according to a press statement issued by Hariri’s press office. Saniora said that the present government of prime minister Najib Mikati was “illegitimate,” adding that the opposition, led by the Western-backed March 14 coalition, had embraced a responsible course of action. “We have never deemed the current government legitimate given the circumstances under which it was formed and the grave mistakes it has committed. Nevertheless, we have acted as a responsible opposition.” The Future Movement is a main pillar in the March 14 coalition. Saniora added: “We don’t believe that this government is fit to run the country at a time when the Arab world is witnessing transition. We surely don’t believe it is fit to oversee the 2013 elections.” Turning to Lebanese-European relations, Saniora said that Lebanon and Europe “have always shared the same principles regarding democracy, freedom and justice… and today, in light of regional changes the Arab communities are looking forward to attaining these principles”. Saniora added that Lebanon has benefited from the assistance offered by European countries regardless of the economic crisis that befell the European zone. “The ongoing support for Lebanon during most difficult moments in Europe is highly appreciated.” Saniora also called on Europe to continue supporting the democratic change in the Arab world.