Govt. formation process: Latest developments

President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam are “not opposed to giving the finance portfolio to the Shiite community, but not to the Shiite Duo,” MTV reported on Friday.

Moreover, MTV said that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told Salam in their meeting Thursday of “the need to conduct reforms.”

“The PM-designate agreed with him and stressed the importance of political, financial and administrative reform,” MTV added.

Al-Akhbar newspaper meanwhile reported that Salam has told visitors that he has “agreed to keep the finance portfolio with Shiites” and that he will “choose the name from among several candidates.”

“He is also studying how to settle the issue of the candidates nominated for the defense and interior portfolios, amid President Aoun’s demand that they be under his supervision in one way or another,” al-Akhbar added.