Naharnet

Report: Hariri-Bassil Expected to Hold Meeting on Govt. this Week

In light of “aggravating” stalemates obstructing the formation of Lebanon’s government, a meeting between Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and caretaker Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil (Free Patriotic Movement chief) is expected to take place this week to address the issue, al-Akhbar daily reported on Monday.

“Hariri, expected to return to Beirut from a trip abroad during the coming days, will expectedly meet Bassil this week,” said the daily.

Relations have “worsened” last month between the two men over conflict regarding the representation of the Lebanese Forces and the Druze, it added.

Hariri, tasked with forming a government on May 24, faces a number of obstacles in light of wrangling between political parties over Cabinet quotas.

Ongoing struggle between the LF and FPM over Christian representation is one of the stalemates delaying the formation.

The Lebanese Forces insists on allocating four portfolios including a so-called sovereign ministry.

Druze leader and Progressive Socialist Party chief Walid Jumblat, insists on getting the whole 3-seat Druze Cabinet share, which is strongly denounced by Druze MP Talal Arslan who also demands a share in Cabinet.

Source: Naharnet


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