Miqati-Suleiman Meeting: Excessive Optimism on Cabinet Not Helpful

Political sources warned against being overly optimistic about the formation of the government anytime soon although they said that the atmosphere was more positive than before.

The sources told al-Mustaqbal daily in remarks published Wednesday that the “excessive optimism might not reflect the reality,” and said those who are being optimistic have most probably “rushed” to make their stances.

The circles of Premier-designate Najib Miqati told An Nahar newspaper that despite a meeting between him and President Michel Suleiman at Baabda palace and reports about a successful mediation by Hizbullah, “things depend on how they would end up.”

An Nahar said that Suleiman didn’t receive a draft line-up from Miqati during their meeting on Tuesday. This means that the president still has the right to enforce his full constitutional authorities as he has previously rejected a draft line-up proposed to him by Caretaker Premier Saad Hariri until the latter made a new suggestion that received Suleiman’s approval.

Political sources that are following up the consultations on the new cabinet also told As Safir it would be wrong to hint that the interior ministry deadlock has been solved and the ball is now in the president’s court.