Naharnet Newsdesk - Cabinet Resignation Delayed, Berri Campaigns for National Union Government

Cabinet Resignation Delayed, Berri Campaigns for National Union Government

Premier Hariri has agreed to delay the resignation of his government until after U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan submits his report to the Security Council on Oct. 3 on Syria's defiance of resolution 1559 that called for its prompt departure from Lebanon.
Speaker Berri revealed the decision after meeting President Lahoud at the Baabda Palace and calling Hariri by telephone in Brussels on Wednesday. He said both have agreed to the postponement.

Berri also asserted that he would be pressing for a new government of national unity embracing all political forces of the nation under Hariri's premiership to be able to bring about a national reconciliation that would halt the lingering aftershocks of the civil war.

The local media however, spoke of two formidable barriers against such a government: 1- Druze Leader Walid Jumblat's refusal to join any government in Beirut over the next three years, and 2- the specter of excommunication of any Maronite politician functioning under Bkirki's wing if he joins the new cabinet.

One media report said Hariri would undertake a mediation mission to reconcile his longtime ally Walid Jumblat and the Assad regime in Damascus before he makes a final decision to accept the premiership again.

Hariri reportedly would seek Patriarch Sfeir's blessing for a national union government that would include cabinet ministers from the Qornet Shahwan coalition. The Patriarch has returned to Bkirki from his summer residence in Diman and Hariri is expected back in Beirut later Thursday.

Beirut, Updated 17 Sep 04, 12:13