Suleiman Calls on Jumblat to Propose Formula Based on 'Equal' Division
President Michel Suleiman insisted on Friday on the formation of a cabinet equally divided among the Lebanese foes, saying that he is still waiting Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam's proposal.
“If Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat is capable of establishing a better formula then he should propose it,” diplomatic sources quoted Suleiman as saying in comments published in As Safir newspaper.
“I will not obstruct any effective proposal,” he pointed out.
On Wednesday, Jumblat called for avoiding the formation of a cabinet that “might be deemed unconstitutional,” after Suleiman said a new government could be formed before October.
“I call for reconsidering the 8-8-8 formula as we need an inclusive cabinet to confront the major problems,” Jumblat said.
Salam is seeking to form a cabinet divided equally between the Lebanese foes and the centrists and rejects to grant the veto power to any party.
On Monday, Hizbullah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah described the so-called 8-8-8 formula as "unrealistic," saying "it is technically a 10-6-8 formula since the premier-designate is a member of the March 14 forces and the minister he is supposed to name would abide by the same political agenda."
The formation of the cabinet will top Suleiman's agenda during a one-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on October 1, where he will meet with Saudi King Abdullah and senior officials.
Suleiman will stress to King Abdullah the importance of the resumption of dialogue among the rival parties and the formation of a cabinet capable of confronting the challenges.
The sources pointed out that the president is also expected to hold talks with Mustaqbal leader and e-PM Saad Hariri.
Suleiman, who attended a 4-day U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York, praised the U.S. and Iranian commitment to Lebanon's stability.
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