Salam Gives Another Chance for Consultations over Cabinet Impasse

Prime Minister Tammam Salam is giving negotiations a chance before calling for a cabinet session even if the rival parties do not reach an agreement, Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbas said Thursday.

“Salam is still giving a chance (for the different parties) to reach a certain solution,” Derbas told al-Liwaa daily.

The minister stressed, however, that the PM will call on the cabinet to convene soon whether a settlement is reached or not.

Derbas also rejected claims that the government is enjoying a Ramadan holiday, saying that it would convene within maximum two weeks.

Despite his confirmation, sources close to Salam refused to discuss the date of the session, saying the PM “would not resort to any step unless it is fruitful and gives positive results.”

Their remarks came a day after Free Patriotic Movement official Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil said that the FPM's ministers will not attend any cabinet session that does not have the appointment of high-ranking military and security officials on the top of its agenda.

The cabinet has been paralyzed since early June when Salam suspended the sessions over the dispute on the appointments.

The premier met with several cabinet ministers on Thursday to discuss the impasse.

G.K.

D.A.