Report: ‘Secretive’ Initiative to Resolve ‘Druze Stalemate’ Fails

The Druze representation in the new government, one of the obstacles hampering the formation, “could have been eased” if Druze MP Talal Arslan had accepted a “secretive” formula suggested by Speaker Nabih Berri, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Tuesday.

Well-informed sources told the newspaper that contacts have lately “accelerated between Berri and Druze parties” in a bid to find common ground regarding their representation and ministerial seats, but the efforts have “failed” though.

Efforts of Berri, who was mandated by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and PSP leader Walid Jumblat, were kept away from media spotlight, said the daily.

In light of the Progressive Socialist Party’s insistence to get the whole three Druze seats and Arslan’s insistence to get a share, “Berri brought up a suggestion granting one Druze seat to Development and Liberation bloc MP Anwar al-Khalil, in view of his privileged relation with various parties,” it said.

But Khalil has thanked Berri for his initiative and suggested that his son, Ziad, take his please citing health reasons.

Arslan, however, assured that Khalil and his son are highly esteemed but “rejected the proposal out of principle,” said the daily.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri was tasked with forming a new government on May 24, but his mission has since been delayed because of wrangling between political parties over shares and ministerial portfolios.