New Cabinet Faces Obstacles of Distribution of Portfolios: Vetoes on Both Sides and Impossible Demands

The upcoming two days are expected to witness intense efforts to tackle the distribution of portfolios and the appointment of new ministers, even though Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati still faces obstacles through “vetoes” from the March 8 and 14 political camps, as well as impossible demands by the new majority, informed political sources told the daily An Nahar Monday.

No new development has taken place in the ongoing negotiations between Miqati and the Christians in the new majority and the March 14 camp.

The premier-designate met the advisor of Hizbullah Secretary General al-Hajj Hussein Khalil, while his brother, Taha Miqati, has also maintained contacts with Caretaker Energy Minister Jebran Bassil, reported As Safir Monday.

Miqati’s sources stated that he has prepared a vision to all issues related to the government, including its ministerial statement and its size, which he prefers to be a 24-minister Cabinet.

“This signifies that he will continue with his choices to the end even if he is counting on the March 14 camp to take part in the government, especially in light of the talks President Michel Suleiman held with Caretaker Labor Minister Butros Harb,” they continued.

However, there are several demands and conditions being made, which implies that the March 14 camp is seeking to make impossible demands in order to justify its refusal to take part in Cabinet, they said.

An Nahar reported March 8 circles as saying that Miqati and the forces that supported his appointment have started to address the formation of the government taking into consideration the March 14 forces’ refusal to participate in it.

Sources close to Miqati added that the demands being discussed in the media confirm that the PM-designate is standing at an equal distance from all sides and he is truly seeking the formation of a national unity government.

They said that he is intensifying his contacts with all sides and demonstrating openness to all suggestions because “he is keen on forming a salvation government and not one that would manage the crisis.”