Berri Says Cabinet Formation Process 'Completely Blocked’

Speaker Nabih Berri described the atmospheres engulfing the formation of Lebanon’s government as “negative” in light of scheduled foreign travels of senior leaders, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Monday.

Speaking to his visitors, Berri was quoted as saying that “since everyone is traveling abroad, negativity is governing the Cabinet formation process,” he said, adding sarcastically “perhaps they agree abroad.”

President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri are scheduled to make several official trips abroad this month.

On Monday, Aoun’s media office said the President has left to Strasbourg at the official invitation of President of the European Parliament where he will deliver a speech.

He is scheduled to make three foreign trips in the coming weeks whereas Hariri will leave for The Hague to follow up on the sessions of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Moreover, Berri criticized the political rhetoric accompanying the formation, stressing the need to have a “sense of belonging and citizenship.”

He said: “The political call up which is accompanied by an unpleasant state of stirring up sectarian instincts, is a matter of concern. This pushes us to warn and reaffirm that we must learn from experience. I have always advocated reading one book, the Book of Citizenship, which unfortunately is missing.”