The Presidency of the Lebanese Republic announced that President Michel Aoun is committed to the adopted criteria in distributing ministerial portfolios.

The Presidency indicated in a statement that President Aoun never demanded the blocking third in the government, noting that the claims that the President requested 9 or 10 ministers are false.

مكتب الإعلام: الرئيس عون إيجابيّ ولا يزال وهو يدرك انّه من حق رئيس الجمهوريّة ورئيس الحكومة المكلّف إعطاء ملاحظات على أيّ اسم يرد منهما أو من أيّ من الكتل المشاركة، وصولاً الى الاعتراض عليها

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) August 19, 2021

مكتب الاعلام في رئاسة الجمهورية: لم يرد يوماً في حساب الرئيس عون المطالبة بالثلث المعطّل والرئيس المكلّف يدرك هذا الأمر، وكلّ ما قيل عن طلب رئيس الجمهوريّة تسعة أو عشرة وزراء عارٍ من الصحة ولا أساس له

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) August 19, 2021

The statement assured that Aoun has not provided Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati with any name from any political party to take over one or more ministerial positions, noting that the suggested names have the appropriate experience and competence for the ministries they have been nominated for.

The Presidency also said that it is the right of President Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Mikati to comment on any suggested name, pointing out that the designated prime minister faced increasing and changing demands from others, which resulted in delaying the cabinet formation.

The statement added that the Presidency fears attempts aimed at pushing the designated prime minister to apologize, which President Aoun does not wish as he continues to deal openly, cooperatively, and positively with the designated prime minister.

On his part, Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati responded to the Presidency's statement by saying that he "values the President of the Republic General Michel Aoun for the content of the statement he issued and his affirmation of pursuing cooperation to form a government that the Lebanese are satisfied with and that meets the support of the international community.”

Mikati also confirmed that he will pursue his endeavor to form a government according to the well-known principles, adding that he won't engage in any debate or argument through the media, hoping that everyone would follow the announced positive intents with practical steps to facilitate his mission in forming the government as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that Mikati announced last Tuesday that Lebanon is very close to forming a new government.