A new obstacle emerged Monday in the cabinet formation process after a long-running standoff over the representation of the Lebanese Forces was resolved.
“We insist on representing the Sunni opposition in the government and those who waited the LF several months can wait for a few days,” LBCI television quoted a “Hizbullah source” as saying.

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.”

The Free Patriotic Movement said Monday that it welcomes the decision of the Lebanese Forces to join the new government, noting that it helped the LF to get four ministerial posts instead of three.
In a statement issued by its media committee, the FPM hoped the LF's decision is aimed at “consolidating unity at all levels” and reflects “a serious intention to contribute to the government's productivity and positive work.”

Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea on Monday said his party will be more useful from inside the government, noting the LF decision to partake in the future government dismissing all doubts a day earlier that it would do otherwise.

Ahead of the Lebanese Forces official announcement on whether it will participate in the future government, LF sources told LBCI TV station that they “will not leave the coast clear” for their rivals.

In light of anticipations that Lebanon completes the formation of its government on Monday, Speaker Nabih Berri said he is willing to call for a legislative session if the lineup fails, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Monday.

There is a “strong possibility” that the Lebanese Forces will not take part in the new government although a final decision is yet to be taken, LF deputy chief MP George Adwan announced on Sunday.
“I can confirm that the government will be formed in the coming days and there's a large possibility that the LF won't take part in it,” Adwan told MTV, revealing that Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is expecting the LF to give a final answer on Monday evening.

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri is insisting that the new government should be formed “within 48 hours,” sources close to him said on Sunday.
“Hariri is awaiting the Lebanese Forces' response to a proposal giving it the labor portfolio instead of the justice portfolio in addition to other ministerial portfolio,” the sources told MTV.

Cautious calm was engulfing the Miyeh Miyeh Palestinian refugee camp on Sunday after intermittent clashes at night, the National News Agency said.
The agency said the night unrest involved the firing of three shells, heavy gunfire, sniper gunfire and grenades.

New Government Expected Monday or Tuesday
The line-up of the new government is expected to be announced Monday or Tuesday, a media report published Sunday said.
