Mikati responds for the first time, says he 'does not wish to get involved'

BEIRUT — Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati has responded for the first time to the "Abu Omar" affair, the nickname of a fake Saudi prince said to have sold allegedly privileged access to Riyadh to Lebanese political figures.

The case is at the heart of a judicial saga revealed at the end of 2025 and involves a fraud scandal. The billionaire from Tripoli insisted he "does not wish to get involved in the debates or controversies on this subject," nor is he involved in any way in the case.

"Based on the position I have always maintained and to avoid further tensions, I want to make clear that the issue of parliamentary consultations, as well as the circumstances that led to the appointment of the current prime minister, are now in the past. I am not involved, directly or indirectly, in any debate or controversy over this case or the circumstances surrounding it," said the former head of government, who handed over his post in January 2025 to Nawaf Salam.

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‘Abu Omar’ case: Two MPs from north Lebanon testify before prosecutor

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During a hearing Monday, two North Lebanon MPs who are members of the National Moderation parliamentary bloc, Sajih Attieh and Ahmad Kheir, were questioned by the prosecutor general at the Court of Cassation.

According to our information, Attieh reiterated statements from a fellow bloc member, Mohammad Sleiman, that he had been called by the fake Saudi prince and asked not to select Mikati during the January 2025 parliamentary consultations, which resulted in Salam being appointed prime minister.

A judicial source told L'Orient-Le Jour on Tuesday that Judge Jamal Hajjar has completed his investigation into the Omar case after hearing former minister Youssef Fenianos as a witness.

The case file will be referred Tuesday to the Beirut appellate public prosecutor. According to the investigation, Omar contacted Fenianos several months before the presidential election, claiming that Saudi Arabia supported the election of former minister and Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh.

According to details reported in the local press, Fenianos replied, "if that is the case, let a visit by Frangieh to Saudi Arabia be arranged," before all contact was cut off.

Additionally, according to the press, Sheikh Khaldoun Oraymet, accused in the case and currently in detention, allegedly played a key role in connecting Omar with politicians and businessmen.

"The current government, which enjoys the confidence of Parliament, is called on to continue its work to implement the commitments made in its ministerial program and at its official meetings, particularly to affirm the authority of the state over all of its territory, place weapons solely in the hands of the army and security forces, address economic, financial, and social matters, as well as many daily, labor, and union-related demands, and solve complex and long-standing issues," Mikati also said.

"I take this opportunity to thank all those who expressed sympathy and solidarity. We will remain united at every national stage, whatever our role, whether inside or outside of government. The important thing is that we all work together to protect our country, preserve its sovereignty, guarantee the dignity of its people, build its institutions, and shape its promising future," he concluded.

The Grand Mufti of the Republic, Abdellatif Derian, phoned Mikati during his meeting at the Council of Muftis to praise his statements and his attitude "marked by responsibility and great wisdom."