Berri: 6-9-9 Cabinet Formula Still Reasonable and Acceptable
Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Wednesday the need to form a new government in light of the ongoing disputes between the rival political powers over the matter.
He said: “The 6-9-9 cabinet formula is still the most reasonable and acceptable proposal.”
He made his remarks during his weekly meeting with lawmakers at his Ain el-Tineh residence.
The speaker added: “All sides must assume their responsibilities to confront pending issues and upcoming developments.”
The proposed formula grants centrists six ministers and the rival March 8 and 14 camps nine ministers each.
Premier-designate Tammam Salam was appointed in April but has so far been unable to put together a government over the conditions and counter conditions set by the rivals parties.
Earlier on Wednesday, Berri had held talks with Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat's envoy, caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour, to discuss the latest developments.
The minister said after the meeting: “Crises are mounting in Lebanon and the roadmap should therefore be clear to all parties. They should restore partnership between them, whether at cabinet or the national dialogue table.”
They must also cooperate in tackling upcoming developments in Lebanon, such as the presidential election.
“Consensus must be reached and political efforts must be exerted in order to avoid political vacuum,” urged Abou Faour.
President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ends in May but there are fears that the differences between the March 8 and 14 camps would lead to a vacuum in the country's top post.
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