Riachi Hands Hariri Names of LF's New Ministers

Caretaker Information Minister Melhem Riachi handed Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri Monday afternoon the names of the Lebanese Forces' ministers for the new government.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Riachi said “the LF always facilitates things and sacrifices for the sake of Lebanon's interest.”

“We will not deal negatively with anyone,” he added, in response to a question.

Riachi also revealed that Hariri has called LF leader Samir Geagea to thank him for the “sacrifices” the LF has made to “facilitate the government's formation.”

Hariri is expected to visit President Michel Aoun in the coming hours or days to present a final cabinet line-up and wrap up a government formation mission that lasted several months.

According to TV networks, the LF has named Ghassan Hasbani (Greek Orthodox) for the deputy PM post and a state minister post, May Chidiac (Maronite) for the culture portfolio, Camille Abu Suleiman (Maronite) for the labor portfolio and Richard Kouyoumjian (Armenian Catholic) for the social affairs portfolio.

Political wrangling over portfolios, especially between the LF and the Free Patriotic Movement, had delayed the formation of the government for several months.

A new hurdle emerged on Monday, with Hizbullah insisting on the allocation of a ministerial seat to one of its Sunni allies.