Arslan Warns of Violating Coexistence in Any Cabinet Lineup

Lebanese Democratic Party leader Talal Arslan warned on Saturday of attempts to lineup a cabinet that violates coexistence, urging the political foes to deal rationally with the formation process to achieve the country's higher interest.

“Everyone of us is trying to build a state that better suits his needs, ignoring others and the necessary balance in the country's political life,” Arslan said in a statement.

He pointed out that personal interests are dominating those of the country, pointing out that vacuum in state posts doesn't serve Lebanon.

Premier-designate Tammam Salam was appointed in April but has so far been unable to put together a government over the conditions and counter conditions set by the rivals parties as fears mount that the differences between the March 8 and 14 camps would lead to a vacuum the presidential post.

President Michel Suleiman's six-year term ends in May.

Arslan considered that the debate over war-torn Syria doesn't serve any political side as every party is holding onto its convictions and points of view.

“The bickering will only have an impact on the people in an attempt to distract them,” the Druze leader said.

Lebanese parties are sharply divided over the crisis in Syria as the March 8 alliance continuously expresses its support to Syrian president Bashar Assad, while the March 14 camp backs the popular revolt.

Arslan expressed regret over the conditions of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who are struggling to cope with a fierce winter storm that hit by the country.

More than 835,000 Syrian refugees are registered in Lebanon, although the real number is thought to total more than one million.

Thousands get by in makeshift camps, in shelters made of little more than plastic sheeting nailed to wooden frames -- a flimsy barrier against fierce winter weather.