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Same Old 'Telecoms' Crisis … Government Situation Better

While the obstacle remained the same for the telecoms ministry which Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun insists on having, a source close to PM-designate Saad Hariri said the atmosphere was "positive" regarding government formation process.
"The situation is much better than before," the source told the daily As-Safir in remarks published Monday.

He pointed out that progress has been made with regard to the distribution of ministerial portfolios.

The source expected the announcement of a new government by week's end or the beginning of next week.

He said MP Butros Harb is likely to join the new Cabinet if caretaker Jebran Bassil had been reappointed telecommunications minister.

Hariri on Sunday met Druze leader Walid Jumblat while his meeting with Aoun is expected to take place after the return of President Michel Suleiman from Spain, according to MP Salim Salhab.

The daily al-Liwaa on Monday said a settlement to the Cabinet crisis represents two criteria: Either 7 major portfolios go to the majority and five to the minority or a Christian-Christian balance such as the Christian majority would get 50 percent just like the shares given to Aoun.

Another source said Hariri was holding onto the energy ministry and that he offered Aoun either the education or culture ministries in exchange for the telecoms or energy.

Beirut, 19 Oct 09, 11:11


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