Reporting for the Middle East Political and Economic Institute, Foreign Policy Association blogger Manuela Paraipan brings us an exclusive interview with Former Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Please visit the MEPEI website to access the interview in audio/pdf format and to check out other interviews by Manuela Paraipan.
By Manuela Paraipan, Middle East Political and Economic Institute
Manuela Paraipan [MP]: Who is Najib Mikati in his own words?
Najib Mikati [NM]: I am the former Prime Minister of Lebanon. I am currently a member of Parliament. I was elected in 2000, and again in 2009. I represent Tripoli. I was Minister of Public Works and Transport from 1998 to 2004, and in 2005, I became Premier.
Why did you accept the position? And how did you manage to overcome the immediate challenges?
NM: I had a vision at that time, and after the tragedy of President Rafiq Hariri, that Lebanon should be kept safe, and that we should shift Lebanon’s position from where it was to a different place.
I succeeded. During my mandate, we successfully conducted the parliamentary elections. I also tried to implement my vision, that of having a free, independent and democratic Lebanon. The situation changed dramatically, however, I did my best to show the international community that Lebanon can be independent.
NM: Before 2005 we went through various phases.
The independent phase until 1975, then from 1975 to 1989, and from 1990 to 2005.
If you want to zoom in one could focus on the Taef agreement. Unfortunately, Taef was selectively implemented.
I said it yesterday, I say it today, and will say it tomorrow: Taef should be fully applied. Once you have that you can further proceed with reforms.
NM: The implementation depends on the approach of other parties. Beirut Pact is not the work of one man or one party. I received comments and remarks from different politicians and parties, and many contributed to it.
NM: It is a partnership and everyone felt they are part of it. We all should be aware of the problems we face and come up with possible solutions. These suggestions could be correct or not, however, everyone has the right to participate. It is a social and economic pact.
Politically, we have an accord.
In social – economic terms, I would like to structure it, and make Lebanon a point of attraction in terms of a growing economy. Beirut Pact was not implemented at that time, because as you know, I resigned. I passed it to the designated Premier and I am keen to see it moving forward.
NM: In fact it is four months.
I don’t see huge obstacles. Nonetheless, I ask myself, is there something that we are not clearly seeing? Things that we cannot foreseen?
MP: [Impediments] Neither from a regional nor a local perspective?
NM: I am a Lebanese leader therefore I put it in a Lebanese context. Constitutionally wise we can form the government through negotiations. Not having a government is not in our benefit.
MP: What are your thoughts on the European Neighborhood policy and how do you see Lebanon – Europe ties evolving?
NM: We are part of the Mediterranean area. The market for us is the Gulf and Europe. The Europeans are our undeclared partners. We need to structure a real partnership advantageous for all sides. What they are asking of us, is not for the EU eyes but for our mutual interest.
MP: Are you optimistic about Lebanon’s future?
NM: Whenever this question is raised you have to look at the history of the country.
When we have a problem, somehow, we manage to solve it. In spite of all Lebanon is still standing and it is a point of reference.
We go through a critical moment from both a regional point of view and because of the accumulation of problems inside the country. Nonetheless, I am confident that we can successfully surpass this phase.
MP: Thank you.
