Report: Miqati to Launch Consultations with March 8 Bloc Leaders after 3 Days of Negotiations with March 14
Premier-designate Najib Miqati has given himself three days to conduct consultations with major March 14 parties to receive a final answer from them on whether they want to participate in his government or not, a high-ranking March 8 official said.
The official’s visitors told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat that Miqati’s consultations have already started with a meeting with Phalange party leader Amin Gemayel.
At the end of the three-day period, Miqati plans to meet with heads of March 8 parliamentary blocs, Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat and Speaker Nabih Berri, the official reportedly said.
However, such meetings would take place only after coming up with his proposed cabinet lineup in light of the decision of the March 14 forces on their participation or the boycott of the cabinet, he added.
The official’s visitors told al-Hayat that Hizbullah and Berri’s AMAL movement have agreed to facilitate Miqati’s mission in forming the government “because they don’t have crippling demands and are in agreement with Jumblat.”
However, he expressed regret that former deputy premier Issam Fares won’t participate in the government although President Michel Suleiman and Miqati are keen on giving him the defense portfolio.
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