LF Insists on Public Works Portfolio, Says Offered Enough 'Concessions'

The Lebanese Forces has reportedly announced that it will not give up its demand to get the public works ministerial portfolio after it agreed to be excluded from the so-called sovereign portfolios.

“The LF does not intend to give up the public works portfolio after it renounced its right to get a sovereign portfolio,” the Saudi daily Asharq al-Awsat quoted LF sources as saying.

“In addition to public works, we are holding onto the information and social affairs portfolios as well as the deputy premier post, and those who do not like this can submit an objection” to President Michel Aoun and PM-designate Saad Hariri, the sources added.

Speaker Nabih Berri is also insisting on the public works portfolio and he had objected to the possibility of granting the LF the finance portfolio, arguing that it should remain with the Shiite sect “as stipulated by the minutes of meeting of the Taef Accord.”