Naharnet

Tammam Salam Meets Hariri, Prince Bandar amid Reports Hizbullah, AMAL Back his Candidacy as PM

Attention has shifted towards MP Tammam Salam amid reports that he will be named the head of a new government, especially in light of his recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) said that Salam met with Saudi Intelligence chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan in Riyadh.

He later held talks for over two hours with former Primer Minister Saad Hariri on various political developments in Lebanon, most notably the government situation.

Meanwhile, MTV reported that Hizbullah is likely to nominate Salam to the premiership “because he is a consensual and non-provocative figure.”

The Development and Liberation bloc is also expected to endorse his candidacy, it added.

Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) had reported earlier that Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat had contacted March 8 officials in order to inquire if they support Salam's candidacy, but he was met with vague answers “that were neither negative nor positive.”

Sources close to the Free Patriotic Movement however told VDL that an agreement over Salam had not been reached, explaining that he is not a consensual figure and is affiliated with the March 14 camp.

OTV later revealed that FPM leader MP Michel Aoun is expected to announce his position on the consultations over appointing a new premier during its evening newscast.

Binding parliamentary consultations to name a new premier are scheduled to be held on Friday and Saturday with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace.


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