Al-Rahi 'Won't Give Consent' to Cabinet that Excludes FPM, LF
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi will not accept the formation of a government from which the two major Christian parties are missing, officials in Bkirki said.
The officials, who were not identified, told al-Joumhouria newspaper published on Monday, that “no one should ever think that the Maronite patriarch would give his consent to a cabinet from which the biggest Christian parties are missing.”
Such a government, they said, “is unconstitutional similar to a fait accompli cabinet.”
Bkirki will on Wednesday announce its rejection to all kinds of marginalization against Christians and any other faction in the country, the officials told the daily.
They were referring to a national charter that the council of Maronite bishops is expected to announce following its monthly meeting.
Al-Rahi said Sunday that the document holds onto the national principles and sets the priorities for a better future.
The charter is based on three factors - national principles, concerns and priorities – he said.
The warning of the Bkirki officials came amid a deadlock in the cabinet formation process.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has rejected to participate in a government in which Hizbullah is represented despite the approval of his ally al-Mustaqbal movement chief Saad Hairri to share power with the Shiite party.
As for Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, he is sticking to his rejection of the concept of rotation of portfolios in the 24-cabinet.
An Nahar quoted an informed source as saying on Monday that Premier-designate Tammam Salam proposed on Sunday the foreign affairs and education portfolios to FPM official caretaker Energy Minister Jebran Bassil.
Bassil promised to provide a response within 24 hours, the source said.
If the movement rejects such a proposal, then Salam could announce the line-up with “whoever wants to attend,” the source added.
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