Report: Suleiman Knows Lebanon Cannot Tolerate De Facto Cabinet

Claims that efforts are being made to form a de factor government are nothing but speculation, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday.

Baabda Palace sources told the daily that President Michel Suleiman “knows that he cannot form such a cabinet because Lebanon cannot tolerate it.”

“He cannot take such a measure at the moment,” they added.

They remarked however that such a step will be made in the end, revealing that Suleiman has been informing various political powers of his intention.

Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah had warned on Friday against the formation of a de facto cabinet, stressing instead the need to form a national unity government that can ensure Lebanon's salvation.

Since his appointment in April, Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam has failed to form a new government due to the conditions being placed by the rival March 8 and 14 camps.

Suleiman has been keen to form a new government ahead of the end of his term in May.

He suggested the formation of a cabinet that can stage the presidential elections regardless if it does not enjoy parliament's confidence.

March 8 officials have rejected this proposal.