Sources: FPM to Participate in Cabinet despite Rejection of Portfolio Rotation
The Free Patriotic Movement will participate in the new government despite its leader's rejection of the rotation of portfolios, FPM sources said Wednesday.
The sources told al-Liwaa newspaper that MP Michel Aoun's announcement that he rejected the rotation would not be an obstacle to the FPM's participation in the cabinet.
“The government is the executive authority and it is unacceptable to give up proper Christian representation in the sovereign and important portfolios,” Aoun said Tuesday.
“We can offer a lot of sacrifices but we cannot sacrifice the people whom we represent,” he said.
The sources denied that the FPM had agreed on the names of the ministers who will be handed the portfolios from its share in the government.
“No negotiation has been made yet on the names,” the sources told al-Liwaa.
Aoun's stance was impeding the government formation process after the rival parties agreed to have a 24-member line-up in a major breakthrough since PM-designate Tammam Salam's appointment in April last year.
Despite the obstacle, Speaker Nabih Berri, who is a major player in the negotiations aimed at forming the cabinet, has expressed optimism at the possibility to form the government this week.
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