Mikati calls Aoun resignation decree 'unconstitutional'

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Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Sunday his government was still operating normally, calling President Michel Aoun's resignation decree of the government "unconstitutional". 

In a statement issued by the PM, Mikati stressed that his government will continue carrying out its duties normally in accordance with the constitution and its provisions, considering that it served as a means of propaganda rather than having a constructive purpose. Order of business is an essential part of the resigned government's duties without the need for a decision from the president, the PM added.

Mikati reiterated that the decree originally signed under the provisions of the constitution lacks any constitutional value - which comes following Aoun's signature Sunday morning of the resignation decree of Mikati's government. 

This comes after Aoun's speech at the Baabda presidential palace during the official ceremony of his departure when he stated that he had signed a decree accepting the resignation of the caretaker government.

Aoun announced on Saturday that Mikati did not have the will, and neither does his cabinet, to form a government, expressing that Mikati meets the demands of all parties, movements, and parliamentary blocs, except for the demand of the Free Patriotic Movement - as the president considers it unacceptable to place guardianship over the Free Patriotic Movement or the Strong Lebanon Bloc party. 

It is important to note that Lebanon is currently under a transitional government as Mikati has been attempting to form a government for the past six months. 

The political fallout has plunged Lebanon further into hot waters in light of the 2019 economic crisis and the unsuccessful attempt at forming a government in May.