Mustafa Adiv, who previously served as Germany's ambassador, withdrew his candidacy.
Mustafa Adiv speaks at the press conference he convened
Photography:
AFP
The designated Lebanese Prime Minister Mustafa Adiv withdrew his candidacy as a component of the government, the country's media reported today (Saturday).
The diplomat, who has served as Lebanon's ambassador to Germany in recent years, noted that while efforts to form a government have reached the final stage, it has become clear to him that general agreement around him has been lost.
"I have informed the blocs in parliament that I do not intend to interfere in any political matter and that I do not intend to offer names (to ministers) that would be a provocation for them," he said.
Adiv announced his decision during a speech at the Abda Palace in the Mount Lebanon region.
Adiv apologized to the Lebanese people and stressed that "the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron must be continued because it expresses the sincere intention of France."
From the press conference, Adiv traveled directly to the palace of Lebanese President Michel Awan, who accepted his candidacy and began a new round of consultations with parliamentary factions regarding the next candidate for the formation of the government.
The former ambassador took over the task after the resignation of two prime ministers over a period of one year.
Last August, Hassan Diab announced his retirement following the disaster at the port of Beirut that claimed the lives of 177 people.
In October 2019, Saad al-Hariri resigned amid mass protests that erupted due to the economic crisis.
