Suleiman Calls for Unity in Confronting Terrorism, Regrets Wasted Time over Cabinet Formation

President Michel Suleiman called on Tuesday for unity among the Lebanese to confront terrorism, urging the upcoming cabinet should work on safeguarding the country's stability once it's formed.

“The next cabinet should work on safeguarding the country's security and stability,” Suleiman said after meeting with the consular corps in the Baabda Palace.

He called on western countries to dissociate the country from the regional turmoils based on the Baabda declaration and the Taif Accord.

The president stressed that “any political solution regarding Syria should include Lebanon as the negative repercussions of the conflict in the neighboring country has a direct impact on Lebanon.”

The Baabda Declaration was approved unanimously during a June 2012 national dialogue session.

Suleiman expressed regret over the time wasted by officials on the formation of the new cabinet, hoping that this experience doesn't occur again.

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam, who was appointed in April, has so far failed to form his government over conditions and counter condition by the rival parties.

The cabinet formation process was put on the front burner after Speaker Nabih Berri proposed a revised 8-8-8 government formula and Suleiman said he would form a so-called neutral cabinet if the political rivals don't agree on an all-embracing government within ten days.

Amid the Lebanese Forces' rejection of Hizbullah's participation in the cabinet, the March 14 camp has reportedly accepted the 8-8-8 formula in principle, but it is awaiting answers pertaining to the ministerial policy statement and the rotation of portfolios among political parties.

The 8-8-8 formula divides ministers equally between the centrists and March 14 and 8 alliances, in which each get eight ministers with “decisive ministers” for the March 14 and 8 coalitions.