Date: Dec 11, 2019 Source: The Daily Star Hariri insists on heading technocratic govt: sources BEIRUT: Caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri remains firm in his stance that must be allowed to form a technocratic government, if he were to return to the premiership, sources close to him told Mustaqbal Web Tuesday. “Hariri’s only suggestion was a technocratic government that would satisfy the Lebanese people’s ambitions and convince the international community to provide urgent support [for Lebanon] to face the crisis,” a source close to Hariri told Mustaqbal Web. Lebanon has been without an active government since Hariri’s resignation as prime minister on Oct. 29, after an unprecedented popular uprising against the ruling political elite swept the country. Lebanon's dire economic situation has raised concerns for the country's stability, amid a dollar liquidity crunch and the Lebanese pound losing a third of its value on the black market. Protesters, who have been on the streets since Oct. 17, have also demanded the formation of a technocratic government. However, their calls have so far fallen on deaf ears, against a backdrop of political squabbling. Many politicians are demanding a politico-technocratic Cabinet. “If there is someone insisting on a politico-technocratic government, they are invited to form a government without Hariri as soon [as possible], and with the conditions they see fit for the Lebanese people and that would solve the situation,” the source said. Hariri re-emerged as the favorite candidate to form the government after businessman Samir Khatib withdrew his candidacy Sunday. Khatib’s decision caused President Michel Aoun to postpone the long-awaited parliamentary consultations to Dec. 16, until political parties reach consensus on a candidate. The consultations are constitutionally required to name a premier to form the government.