Saad al-Hariri, Lebanese Prime Minister designate, announced on 14 February that Lebanon cannot rescue itself from its current state without the support of Arab countries and the Arab community. Although funds have been channeled to the country by the Gulf states, the increasing socio-economic issues, and the growing influence of Hezbollah are seen as alarming.
In a meeting between the Prime Minister designate and President Michel Aoun on Friday, al-Hariri indicated that no progress was made in the formation of a new government. Furthermore, al-Hariri has criticized President Aoun from impeding political progress, by consistently rejecting potential names to establish a permanent government.
