Salam Blamed Policy Statement Impasse on Lack of Trust Among Political Parties

Prime Minister Tammam Salam said Thursday the lack of trust among the rival parties were hindering an agreement on his government’s policy statement, adding President Michel Suleiman was not to blame.

Suleiman said last week that Lebanese parties should not hold onto inflexible equations that hinder the adoption of the policy statement.

His remark enraged Hizbullah, which launched a campaign against him and said the president needed “specialized care.”

The ministerial committee tasked with drafting the policy statement has so far failed to agree on the controversial resistance clause. It will hold its ninth meeting on Friday despite lack of optimism on its ability to reach consensus.

The committee is made up of representatives from the rival March 8 and 14 camps and centrists.

Salam told reporters at the Grand Serail that it was his responsibility to understand and contain the differences among the rival sides. But he stressed that he was not part of them.

“Any opinion would not be beneficial until the political parties reach a joint agreement,” he said.

“The lack of confidence has built up among the Lebanese and this needs time” to be resolved.

Salam told the reporters that the International Support Group for Lebanon meeting, which was held in Paris on Wednesday, stressed the commitment of the major powers to Lebanon's security and stability despite the changes in the world political scene.

The group for Lebanon appealed for nations to extend pledges of financial help for the fragile country, which is coping with an influx of Syrian refugees, terror attacks and a struggling economy.