Salam Holds on to his Proposal as Miqati Calls for Formation of 'Reasonable' Cabinet

The controversial debate over the formation of the cabinet is facing an impasse as each side remains holding on to it's stance.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati called on Friday in comments published in As Safir newspaper for the formation of a “reasonable” government based on a formula that is capable of succeeding.

Meanwhile, PM-designate Tammam Salam quoted him as saying that he will not form a cabinet unless it was based on an equal division among foes.

Salam and President Michel Suleiman are seeking to form a cabinet divided equally between the Lebanese foes and the centrists and rejects to grant the veto power to any party.

“If there is anyone that wants to form a cabinet based on the power veto then they must look for someone else to form it,” Salam reportedly said.

“I insist on forming a cabinet that includes everyone, whatever the price was,” he stressed.

Sources told As Safir that U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale urged senior Lebanese officials to swiftly form a new cabinet.

On Thursday, Hale held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri, Miqati and Salam.

Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has described the so-called 8-8-8 formula as "unrealistic," saying "it is technically a 10-6-8 formula since the premier-designate is a member of the March 14 forces and the minister he is supposed to name would abide by the same political agenda."