Berri: Forming a Cabinet Before the Holidays an 'Accomplishment'

In a sign that efforts to line up a new government may not succeed before the end of the year, Speaker Nabih Berri said that it would be an “accomplishment” for Lebanon to form one before the holidays, media reports said Tuesday.

“If the formation of the government before Independence Day would have been a miracle, forming it before the holidays would be an accomplishment,” said Berri.

Sources close to Berri said the Speaker insists on being given the public works ministerial portfolio and on giving Marada leader MP Suleiman Franjieh a key portfolio in the new cabinet.

After the designation of Hariri on October 3, he exerted efforts to form a new cabinet before Independence Day on November 22. But the efforts have failed and aspirations now turn towards forming it before the new year.

Hariri is still facing obstacles bringing together a line-up that balances Lebanon's delicate sectarian-based political system. At stake is the distribution of the most powerful portfolios, including the defense ministry and other key portfolios including the public works.

In that regard, Hariri held a meeting with President Michel Aoun on Monday where discussions focused on ways to end the stalemate before the holidays, according to media reports.