Salam Fears Government Paralysis over Baabda Vacuum

Prime Minister Tammam Salam has expresses fears that the vacuum at the presidential palace would spill over to his cabinet, but hoped the government would not be paralyzed.

“Is there an intention to facilitate the task (of the government) or paralyze it?” Salam asked.

Salam said in an interview published in As Safir daily on Friday that “the obstruction of the cabinet's work is a political decision.”

“I am afraid it will take place … due to the vacancy in the seat of the president.”

But he stressed that both the decision to facilitate or obstruct the government's mission is a political one.

President Michel Suleiman left Baabda Palace last Sunday after the expiry of his six-year term.

Parliament failed to elect a successor over differences between the rival March 8 and 14 alliances.

Constitutionally, the cabinet would exercise the authorities of the head of state in case of a vacancy.

Salam reiterated that he was ready to discuss with all the parties represented in the government ways to hold cabinet sessions.

The prime minister also hoped that any obstruction of the cabinet's work would not affect the stable security situation, which has been seen as the biggest achievement yet made the government.

He was referring to a security plan implemented in the northern city of Tripoli and the eastern Bekaa Valley following a deal between the rival parties not to give any political cover to outlaws.

A similar plan is expected to be implemented in Beirut next month.

“I don't think any political party has an interest in causing security chaos, which would harm everyone,” Salam said.

G.K.

H.K.