Miqati Meets Berri: Salam Must Be Realistic in his Efforts to Form New Govt.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Saturday the need for a new government to be formed “as soon as possible.”

He said: “Premier-designate Tammam Salam should be realistic, not idealistic, in his efforts to form a new cabinet.”

He made his remarks after holding talks at Ain el-Tineh with Speaker Nabih Berri.

“We hope that we can overcome this difficult phase and lead Lebanon to safety,” he added.

Furthermore, he voiced his readiness to assist Salam in his attempts to form the government.

Discussions between Miqati and Berri also addressed the ongoing efforts to reach an agreement over a new parliamentary electoral law.

Salam had conducted a series of consultations with various political powers in order to form a new cabinet.

The March 14 forces are demanding the formation of a neutral government, while the rival March 8 forces are demanding a political one.

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat has meanwhile announced that he opposes the establishment of a one-sided cabinet.

Salam has meanwhile asserted that he is seeking a government of national interests that is capable of staging and overseeing the elections and that is not comprised of political figures.