Iran-backed „Hezbollah“ has postponed its meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, at which it was to announce its choice as the country's new prime minister, political sources said. This highlights the growing tension surrounding this key political process, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
The Shiite group and its ally – the – Amal“ movement – had initially planned to inform the president that they supported the current caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati for another term. The post of prime minister in the Lebanese political system is traditionally reserved for a Sunni Muslim.
However, the two Shiite groups postponed their meeting with Aoun. The reason is that another candidate, Nawaf Salam - president of the UN International Court of Justice - appears to be gaining growing support from Lebanese lawmakers, sources familiar with the negotiations say.
Under the Lebanese constitution, President Joseph Aoun is required to appoint as prime minister the candidate who wins the most support among the 128 members of parliament.