Lebanon's exit from crisis hinges on new PM: Aoun

I hope that you will think well about the consequences of nominating a PM will have on the process of govt formation, president tells lawmakers; Saad Hariri poised to be named new premier today

Crisis-hit Lebanon’s next prime minister, the third in a year, will have to spearhead reforms and battle corruption, President Michel Aoun said on Wednesday.

Aoun was speaking at a televised news conference a day before his scheduled consultations with MPs to name Lebanon’s new premier.

“I hope that you will think well about the consequences the nomination (of a premier) will have on the process of forming a government,” Aoun said, addressing lawmakers.

It will affect “reform plans and international rescue initiatives,” he said.

“Will the person who will have to bear the burden of being named and forming a government commitment to addressing corruption and launching a reform drive?” Aoun asked.

Aoun blamed other officials for blocking a long list of urgent reforms demanded by foreign donors.

He questioned what had happened to plans ranging from a forensic audit of the central bank and an overhaul of the power sector to drat laws and IMF talks.

He accused others of “putting barricades” in his way, without naming anyone.