Cabinet Formation Talks ongoing as Hariri Contacts Geagea, Sami Gemayel
Intensive consultations to form a new cabinet continued on Tuesday among the various political parties as former Prime Minister Saad Hariri held phone talks with his Christian allies.
Hariri telephoned Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea and Phalange Party Central Committee Coordinator MP Sami Gemayel and discussed with them the latest developments in the formation process, after the two Christian leaders voiced concerns on Monday.
Hariri and Geagea stressed the "unity" of the March 14 forces' stances, according to various media outlets.
Later on Tuesday, Speaker Nabih Berri held talks with caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel on the issue of the new cabinet.
The minister hoped after the meeting that this “process is moving forward on the right path.”
“I sensed that matters are going ahead in a good and normal manner,” he added.
“No obstacles have been encountered so far,” continued Charbel.
He hoped that the resolution of the government deadlock will rid Lebanon of its current and potential security problems.
The cabinet formation process was put on the front burner after Berri proposed a revised 8-8-8 government formula and President Michel Suleiman said he would form a so-called neutral cabinet if the political rivals don't agree on an all-embracing government within ten days.
Amid the LF's rejection of Hizbullah's participation in the cabinet, the March 14 camp has reportedly accepted the 8-8-8 formula in principle, but it is awaiting answers pertaining to the ministerial policy statement and the rotation of portfolios among political parties.
The 8-8-8 formula divides ministers equally between the centrists and March 14 and 8 alliances, in which each get eight ministers with “decisive ministers” for the March 14 and 8 coalitions.
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