Salam Says Politicians Not Willing to Remove Cabinet Obstacles

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam blamed on Friday politicians for his failure to form the new government although he said that he was still "devoted" to come up with a line-up.

In remarks to reporters at Baabda palace after talks with President Michel Suleiman, Salam said he “felt that politicians are not willing to remove the obstacles” facing the formation of the cabinet.

He promised however to follow up the issue with Suleiman through “transparency and devotion” and the “support of the people.”

The PM-designate stressed that contacts with all political parties mainly with Speaker Nabih Berri, who is the head of the Amal movement, have been ongoing although at times at a slower rate.

Salam hoped for a clearer picture after the Eid al-Adha holidays next week, stressing that he would not give up his task to form the cabinet unless he realized that his efforts would not bring any result.

Salam has been trying since April to come up with a line-up but several conditions set by the rival parties have brought his task to a stalemate.

The PM-designate and Suleiman have backed a 24-member cabinet in which the rival March 8 and 14 camps, in addition to centrists would get eight ministers each.

But several formulas have been in circulation, Salam said in response to a question.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat, who along with Salam and Suleiman form the centrist camp, said in remarks published Friday that giving the March 8 and 14 alliances nine ministers each and centrists six ministers would facilitate the PM-designate's task.