Aoun Calls for 'Restoring Relations' Post-Cabinet Formation

Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun considered on Saturday that the new cabinet is a “key for restoring relations” between different factions in the country.

"This week we have witnessed two major events in the country,” Aoun said following the announcement of the new cabinet.

"And these events are the dismantling of a terrorist ring and the formation of the new cabinet,” he explained.

"And what is valuable is that the cabinet is a key to restoring normal relations between all factions in Lebanon after a long impasse,” the Christian leader stressed.

“We hope institutions and companies can thrive, economical and financial matters can prosper, and security can be guaranteed as these were in deteriorating conditions lately.”

Aoun pointed out that “authority cannot be in the hands of one party.”

Standing next to Aoun during his speech were the Change and Reform bloc's newly appointed ministers.

New Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil noted that “we are living in a time of moderation.”

“And we hope the cabinet can also witness that time, because we have all offered sacrifices for Lebanon's sake,” he said.

“We would have hoped that the Lebanese Forces was represented in the cabinet and to have a council of 30 ministers to include the Syrian Social National Party, (Lebanese Democratic Party leader) MP Talal Arlsan and (Tripoli Minister Faisal) Karami.”

The former Energy Minister also hoped that the cabinet would issue all decrees related to petroleum matters, considering it a “strategic issue in the country.”

“We also hope that the presidential elections would be conducted on time,” he added.

Commenting on the rotation of ministerial portfolios, Bassil described it as an “unusual suggestion.”

“But we hope it would be introduced on a stronger basis in the future and that each minister gets the chance to complete the pending projects,” he said.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam finally announced on Saturday the formation of a 24-minister cabinet, ten months and a week after his appointment.

The ministers have been distributed equally between the rival March 8 and 14 camps and centrists.