Naharnet

Berri, Jumblat Warn against Forming 'Neutral Cabinet'

Speaker Nabih Berri and Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat stressed the importance of forming a “consensual government” in order to avert any political conflicts, reported various media outlets on Saturday.

The two officials have warned against the formation of a neutral cabinet, “which will have catastrophic repercussions on Lebanon,” As Safir newspaper quoted Jumblat as telling Suleiman during a meeting earlier this week.

Such a cabinet will have catastrophic results on the presidency and Taef accord, cautioned the MP.

For his part, Berri reiterated his stance that a consensual government will help stage the presidential elections.

He added that a government that lacks parliament's confidence cannot hold the elections.

Jumblat advocates the formation of a cabinet that consists of nine ministers to each of the rival March 8 and 14 camp and six to centrists.

Suleiman had previously suggested the formation of a cabinet capable of staging the presidential elections even if it lacks parliament's confidence.

The proposal was rejected by the March 8 camp that deemed it as unconstitutional.

Suleiman's six-year term ends in May, but there are fears that the differences between the March 8 and 14 camps would lead to a vacuum in the country's top post.


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