Abou Faour Relies on Cooperation of Rival Parties to End Cabinet Deadlock
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour stressed on Thursday the cabinet stalemate doesn't necessarily indicate that negotiations between the rival parties have slowed down.
“As long as there is political will to form a national unity cabinet that safeguards the country” the cabinet would see the light, Abou Faour said in comments published in As Safir newspaper.
He expressed hope that the political foes remain cooperative in order to wrap up the matter.
Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam, who was appointed in April, is holding onto the concept of “fair, balanced and comprehensive rotation of portfolios,” which is rejected by the Free Patriotic Movement.
The cabinet formation process was put on the front burner after Speaker Nabih Berri proposed a revised 8-8-8 government formula and President Michel Suleiman said he would form a so-called neutral cabinet if the political rivals don't agree on an all-embracing government within ten days.
Amid the Lebanese Forces' rejection of Hizbullah's participation in the cabinet, the March 14 camp has reportedly accepted the 8-8-8 formula in principle, but it is awaiting answers pertaining to the ministerial policy statement and the rotation of portfolios among political parties.
The 8-8-8 formula divides ministers equally between the centrists and March 14 and 8 alliances, in which each get eight ministers with “decisive ministers” for the March 14 and 8 coalitions.
23 January 2014, 08:31
55
I listened live to Dr. Geagea last night. He is the only one out of all of them that have principles. To join a government with HA with its current stances is being complicit with them in their crime to destroy the country. Unless HA agrees to withdrawing from Syria, disarming as a militia, submitting to the central government, and agreeing to hand over the suspects accused of assassinating Hariri and others, and accepting the outcome of the STL, there is no point sharing a government with these murderers.
23 January 2014, 10:13
52
In my opinion, Hariri is making a costly mistake by agreeing to participate in a cabinet with HA. Nothing will change and they will stab him in the back or kill him. How would Hariri react when the STL finds HA guilty of all these murders and he is sharing the same cabinet with them. Either form a neutral cabinet like geagea is suggesting or let them do it on their own. Geagea is right!
23 January 2014, 14:10
21
Hariri is committing another expensive mistake, the first ones being his acceptance to accommodate M8 when his alliance won fairly and squarely, even Sayed Hassan admitted it on TV, thereafter Hariri lost his ground by resigning. Today he is simply underlining that he doesn't have grit in his stomach, which is what a strong leader ought to have. Had it not been for Geagea, there would be NO M14 to talk about, but alas, one hand alone cannot clap, this is a crucial time when the LF, the Kataeb need enduring partners, not shysters. Bachir Gemayel made one critical speech in 1982, when he appealed to Muslim siblings, to stand by him and take courageous decisions, instead they left him alone, today Geagea finds himself in the very same predicament, alas.
23 January 2014, 14:01
06
I thought the president put a 10 day deadline. Mr.President, its past the 10 day ultimatum. Form a technocratic Government already.
23 January 2014, 14:04
13
Mr Abou Faour, if this was to happen in other countries, today people like you, and the other chameleons who have the audacity to call themselves politicians, you would be all removed not only from your offices but also from your homes, and today you would be either languishing in jails or hanged a long time ago. Lebanon is not a naturally sick country, neither are its people, YOU, the political class are its sickness, and sadly, a cure is still not found and you know why? Because your FACES just refuse to leave. Damn you all.
23 January 2014, 14:06
15
My favorite politician is Ziad Rahbani, and my favorite comedian is Wiam Wahab.
23 January 2014, 14:23
05
The people of Lebanon are to blame Phoenix1. They keep electing these beautiful faces into offices.
