Battle Over Cabinet Seats Heats Up

A battle is raging over key portfolios in the new government -- most notably the interior, defense and justice ministries.

An-Nahar newspaper on Wednesday quoted sources following up on the issue of Cabinet formation as saying that Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati is seeking to create a one-sided, 24-strong government after the March 14 coalition announced it will not participate.

The sources said, however, that March 14's non-participation does not reduce the obstacles that still face Miqati.

It said that while Miqati is seeking to keep the interior and defense seats for President Michel Suleiman, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun was struggling to acquire the defense ministry.

Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri was reportedly seeking to get hold of the finance ministry – a key Cabinet post that has long been dominated by the Sunnis.

An-Nahar said Miqati sought to give the interior ministry to Mohammed Safadi instead. Safadi is caretaker Trade Minister in outgoing PM Saad Hariri's government.

It said several names were suggested for the justice ministry, among them a candidate close to Aoun.