Lebanon's President Again Cancels Consultations on Prime Minister Appointment

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has once again canceled parliamentary consultations concerning the appointment of the country’s Prime Minister. Negotiations have been postponed until December 19, as reported by the President's press service.

“This morning, caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri had a phone conversation with President Michel Aoun and requested to postpone parliamentary consultations on government formation matters for additional negotiations. The President responded positively to Hariri’s request and decided to delay the consultations until Thursday, December 19,” the statement said.

The initial consultations with parliamentarians were scheduled for December 7; however, the day before, a candidate agreed upon by political forces declined the proposed position in favor of Hariri. Anti-government protests began in Lebanon on October 17. Despite the resignation of Saad Hariri’s government on October 29, unrest in the country has not ceased. The economic and financial situation continues to remain in a state of crisis. President Michel Aoun announced earlier in October that the state is suffering from financial blockade and sanctions, according to RIA Novosti.