Naharnet

Phalange: We Won't Take Part in Cabinet that Protects Illegitimate Arms

The Phalange Party announced on Monday that it is more concerned with the policy statement of the new government rather than how many seats it obtains.

MP Sami Gemayel said after the party's weekly politburo meeting: “It would be impossible for us to take part in a cabinet that protects illegitimate arms and protects Hizbullah's fighting in Syria.”

“We do not care about the lineup of the government as long as we receive clear assurances about its ministerial statement,” he explained.

The Phalange Party had previously said that it is awaiting the March 14 camp's position on whether it will take part in a new cabinet.

The camp has yet to present its stance to Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam.

Speaker Nabih Berri had recently breathed new life in the government formation process after proposing a formula that grants eight ministers to each of the centrists and the rival March 8 and 14 camps.

President Michel Suleiman had threatened to form a neutral government should the political powers fail to agree on an “all-embracing” one.

The March 14 camp had allegedly agreed to the 8-8-8 formula, but it is awaiting answers to inquiries it raised about its ministerial statement, the rotation of power, Hizbullah's fighting in Syria, and a number of other issues.


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