Hizbullah’s Intervention May Resolve Dispute between Miqati and FPM

The current government deadlock is likely to stretch indefinitely given that a mechanism to restore cabinet productivity, as Premier Najib Miqati had demanded, will probably take a while, reported the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat on Sunday.

Ministerial circles noted however that the ongoing tensions between Miqati and the Free Patriotic Movement may be eased through the intervention of the FPM’s ally Hizbullah.

They said that Speaker Nabih Berri may also play a role in this matter, adding that the deadlock will most likely extend until after Miqati returns from his trip to France, which is scheduled for February 10.

A ministerial source stated that the crisis can be resolved through one side presenting concessions to the other.

It added however that the impasse has not thwarted Miqati from continuing government activity and holding talks with FPM officials.

It pointed out that the premier had chaired on Friday a meeting to address the electricity crisis, which was attended by FPM official Energy Minister Jebran Bassil, adding that he later held talks with another FPM official, Telecommunications Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui.

On Wednesday, Miqati suspended a cabinet session at the Baabda Palace over an ongoing dispute over the issue of administrative appointments.

The suspension was prompted when FPM ministers walked out from Wednesday’s session.

“The move is meant to push everyone to act responsibly and use their energy positively, towards the smooth run of state affairs not the opposite,” the prime minister said on his Twitter account on Wednesday.

A dispute between President Michel Suleiman and FPM leader MP Michel Aoun over shares allotted to Christians has prevented consensus over administrative appointments, leaving several high-ranking posts vacant.