Franjieh Says Berri Offered Him Public Works Portfolio, Urges 'Openness' from Others
Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh announced after talks in Ain el-Tineh Monday that Speaker Nabih Berri has officially offered him the public works ministerial portfolio.
“Speaker Berri has offered us the public works portfolio and an agreement is still needed over other portfolios and we thank Speaker Berri for this,” Franjieh said.
“Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri has also shown flexibility in this regard,” the Marada chief revealed.
He added: “Our candidate for this ministry is Youssef Finianos and we're awaiting the stances of the other parties, and we hope others, topped by President Michel Aoun, will show openness.”
Asked about the Lebanese Forces' stance on the issue of the public works portfolio, Franjieh told reporters to “ask the Free Patriotic Movement.”
“It knows more about the LF's demands,” he added.
Franjieh's visit to Ain el-Tineh followed a morning meeting in Bkirki with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, who is reportedly trying to mend ties between the Marada chief and Aoun.
Ties between Aoun and Franjieh were strained after the latter was nominated for the presidency by al-Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri in late 2015.
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