BEIRUT: Prime Minister Saad Hariri Thursday said he will not allow "attempts to hinder the work of the new government," in remarks made at an event commemorating the death of his father, late premier Rafik Hariri.
Hariri stressed his commitment to work with other parties in the new government for Lebanon’s benefit, in a televised speech during the event, held at Seaside Arena, marking the 14th anniversary of Rafik Hariri’s assassination.
“President Michel Aoun and Speaker [Nabih] Berri and I have decided to [work together in] Cabinet and Parliament. This is a chance that cannot be wasted,” the premier said.
Hariri addressed the CEDRE conference, held in Paris in April, where the international community pledged over $11 billion in soft loans and investments for Lebanon.
The premier said the international and Arab communities had decided to stand by Lebanon’s side, and so the country must enact reforms and transparent laws to implement CEDRE projects.
“Some are saying the country will fall into more debt. This is all just a hindrance, and personally, I will not remain silent in the face of any attempt to hinder the work of the government,” Hariri added.
During his speech, the prime minister emphasized the Taif Accord, which ended the Lebanese Civil War (1975-90), Syrian refugee returns and the policy of disassociation from regional conflicts.