Hariri Holds 'Regular' Meetings with March 14 Figures in Paris, Won't Meet Salam

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri held talks with several March 14 figures in the French capital to discuss ways to resolve the local crises, however, he will not meet with PM-designate Tammam Salam.

A source denied in comments published in al-Liwaa newspaper on Tuesday that a meeting will be held between Hariri and Salam, who is currently in Geneva on a private visit.

An Nahar newspaper reported on Monday that Salam was expected to meet with Hariri in Paris to discuss the cabinet formation process.

The report comes amid rumors that Salam intends to give up his task to form a new government.

Salam has been facing since April conditions and counter conditions set by the rival March 8 and March 14 alliances.

The source told al-Liwaa that Hariri is holding talks with prominent March 14 figures including head of al-Mustaqbal Parliamentary bloc leader MP Fouad Saniora and MP Butros Harb to mull ways to resolve the crises confronting the country.

The source described the talks as “normal” and to check on Hariri's health after he underwent a surgery in Paris.

Hariri underwent a surgery to remove pins placed in his legs following a skiing accident in 2012 in the French Alps.

However, another source expected that several issues will be discussed in Paris with Hariri, which requires a wide meeting for the March 14 coalition.