Ending non-binding parliamentary consultations, Mikati says he will form a government that will 'assume its responsibilities'

BEIRUT — Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati completed two days of non-binding parliamentary consultations to form a new cabinet on Tuesday, saying the next government will "assume its responsibilities.”

Here’s what we know:

    • “I heard from the members of Parliament and listened to their opinions. The most important thing is that we are all aware of the situation in the country. The national interest will prevail, and we will form a government that will assume its responsibilities and pursue the action of the current government, particularly in terms of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and the demarcation of the maritime border [with Israel],” Mikati said during a brief press conference at the end of consultations.

    • The premier-designate, who was appointed after a plurality of MPs (54) in might reshuffle his current cabinet, which is presently serving a caretaker capacity. In any event, whatever government lineup he presents will, if approved by President Michel Aoun and endorsed by Parliament, only serve until Aoun’s term in office expires in October.

    • Mikati’s caretaker government reached a preliminary agreement with the IMF on April 7, under which Lebanon would receive $3 billion worth of financial assistance over 46 months if certain actions are taken and reforms are implemented.