Independent MPs Call for Facilitating Salam's Mission

March 14 independent Christian MPs and officials said on Thursday that politicians should facilitate the work of PM-designate Tammam Salam to form a cabinet whose members are not running in the parliamentary elections.

In a statement issued following a meeting they held at MP Butros Harb's office, the officials stressed their support to Salam and the facilitation of his mission in forming a cabinet whose members are not candidates.

The government should be capable of assuming its responsibilities in managing the country's affairs and mainly holding fair parliamentary polls to avoid falling in a constitutional vacuum, they said.

The March 14 officials rejected the extension of the parliament's mandate and reiterated their call for rival parties to speed up agreement on a new electoral law by May 19.

The statement criticized the so-called Orthodox Gathering proposal, saying the new draft-law should be compatible with the nation's interest and the democratic rights of the citizens.

Salam concluded on Wednesday two days of consultations with MPs on the formation of the cabinet. But he faces a difficult task after March 8 coalition lawmakers called for a national unity government and those from the March 14 alliance demanded a neutral cabinet to supervise the polls.