LF MP Says ‘Unfair’ to Blame Party for Govt. Delay
MP Wehbe Katicha of the Strong Republic (of the Lebanese Forces) parliamentary bloc said it is “unfair” to blame the LF for the Cabinet formation delay, stressing the party’s right to get a so-called sovereign portfolio being the “second largest Christian bloc in the parliament.”
“Blaming the LF for the delayed formation is unfair. The party has the right to allocate a sovereign portfolio being the second largest Christian bloc in the parliament,” said Katicha in an interview to VDL (93.3).
“The LF could accept allocation of four key ministries, but some parties must give up their arrogance and facilitate the formation process,” he added.
The four so-called sovereign ministerial portfolios are foreign affairs, defense, finance and interior.
The stalemate hampering the formation is “internal” said the MP.
He wondered why a meeting between Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri (al-Mustaqbal Movement chief) and caretaker Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil (Free Patriotic Movement chief) “has not taken place so far.”
The LF demand the allocation of four portfolios including a sovereign one. Meanwhile, the FPM reportedly rejects the demand.
Hariri was tasked with forming a new government on May 24. The main obstacle hindering his mission is political wrangling over Christian and Druze representation.
Source: Naharnet
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