Berri Sticks to Rotation of Portfolios but Says Policy Statement Should be Left Out of Consultations
Speaker Nabih Berri has backed the rotation of all portfolios in the new government but said discussions on the policy statement should be left until after the formation of the government.
In remarks to several local dailies published on Friday, Berri reiterated his support for the 8-8-8 formula and the rotation of portfolios in all ministries “without any exception.”
But the speaker said the policy statement, which is a major point of contention between the March 8 and 14 alliances, should be left out of the current negotiations to form the cabinet.
“I agree with President Michel Suleiman on the postponement of a deal on the policy statement although this does not mean it would not cause a problem,” he said.
Al-Mustaqbal MP Nuhad al-Mashnouq has said that the March 14 camp has set several conditions to its approval of the 8-8-8 formula, among them is the adoption of the Baabda Declaration in the policy statement and giving up the army-people-resistance equation.
Such a condition is likely not to be approved by March 8.
Al-Mashnouq said that March 14 had several others questions that lied on the shape of the government, rotation of all ministerial portfolios, and the right of Suleiman and Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam for veto to reject any name proposed.
But Berri said in his remarks published on Friday that “there are no answers and questions.”
“There is dialogue between the different parties.”
He reiterated his rejection to isolate any side.
Suleiman does not accept the isolation of Hizbullah or any other political party, the speaker said.
Berri expressed fears over the security situation, which he said should speed up the government formation process.
“We should put an end to the political immorality, which is blowing up the security situation,” he said.
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