Govt. formation negotiations: Latest developments
A new visit to Beirut by Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan is an indication that Saudi Arabia may be trying to facilitate the mission of PM-designate Nawaf Salam, informed sources said.
“There are still obstacles that need solutions, including what relates to Christian and Sunni representation,” the sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper in remarks published Friday.
“There is perhaps a need for an imminent meeting between Speaker Nabih Berri and Salam to reach agreements over some issues that are still pending, including the finance portfolio,” the sources added.
Berri has been quoted as saying that the Shiite Duo is facilitating Salam’s mission and that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are not the problem.
Al-Joumhouria added that in their latest meeting, Salam and the Shiite Duo maintained their “agreement” that Hezbollah and Amal would be given the five Shiite portfolios in the new cabinet, including the finance portfolio.
“President Joseph Aoun and Salam do not have a veto on Yassine Jaber. As for the other names, Berri has stressed that he is open to discussing the candidates proposed for the portfolios other than the finance one,” the daily said.
A source informed on the negotiations meanwhile told the newspaper that the cabinet formation process is in its final stages and that the new government “may be formed before the weekend.”
The source added that the Free Patriotic Movement might not join the government.
The possibility of giving the finance portfolio to the Shiite Duo is meanwhile “facing strong opposition from the majority that named Salam,” al-Joumhouria said, adding that “the matter still needs further negotiations and an imminent intervention by the five-nation group for Lebanon.”
Below is a draft cabinet line-up published by al-Joumhouria:
- Deputy PM: Ex-minister Tarek Mitri
- Lebanese Forces: Telecom and energy
- Progressive Socialist Party: Public works
- Moderation bloc: Education and agriculture
- President Aoun: Defense, justice and foreign affairs
- Tashnag Party: Youth and Sports
- Shiite Duo: Finance, labor, industry, environment and health
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