Sideline Meetings on Indepedence Day Tackled Cabinet Formation Hurdles
Closed meetings held between Lebanon's top officials at the sideline of the presidential reception at the Baabda Palace on Independence Day, generated positive signals that the diplomats have finally eased the difficulties that have been hampering the formation of a new cabinet.
Before the reception to receive well-wishers began, a meeting was held between President Michel Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri. Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri later joined the two men, to be followed shortly by Caretaker PM Tammam Salam.
According to the media office at the presidential palace, discussions touched on the general situation in the country and the process of forming a new cabinet. They did not elaborate any further.
Sources close to Hariri told pan-Arab al-Hayat daily that the discussions focused on the difficulties the formation process is facing, and that the issue was a subject of a lengthy phone call between Hariri and Berri a day earlier. The sources however have described the atmospheres as positive.
They assured that there are no differences between Hariri and Berri. The issue at hand is that the PM-designate had promised to give the public works portfolio to the Lebanese Forces, which Berri insists that it be given to his party.
For his part, Salam was optimistic when he described the short meetings and said “the atmospheres are positive.”
Berri's TV station, the NBN, quoted the Speaker as saying: “The atmospheres are well and shining.”
Hariri was optimistic as well, as he pointed out the “consultations will carry on,” without specifying a date for the completion of a cabinet formation.
Hariri is still facing obstacles bringing together a line-up that balances Lebanon's delicate sectarian-based political system. At stake is the distribution of the most powerful portfolios, including the Defense Ministry.
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://mobile.naharnet.com/stories/en/220829 |