False Witnesses' Issue to be Discussed in Cabinet, But No Agreement, Report

Cabinet will meet on Wednesday to discuss the thorny false witnesses' issue, but no agreement is expected to be reached, the daily As-Safir reported Monday.

It said President Michel Suleiman was exerting efforts to reconcile differences between the two political camps over this issue.

While Prime Minister Saad Hariri has proposed to move ahead with Cabinet talks regardless of whether ministers agree or not agree on the false witnesses' issue, the Opposition has insisted that the issue is settled before tackling other matters.

Suleiman circles told As-Safir that the President will carry on with efforts in a bid to find a consensus formula to avoid a vote and a Cabinet split that could paralyze the Government.

They said Suleiman is mulling several ideas, but the circles would not reveal details.

Citing sources following up on ongoing contacts, As-Safir said Cabinet is likely to settle for a "realistic scenario" – discussion of the false witnesses' issue after which Suleiman would adjourn the session for lack of agreement on who has the judicial authority over the issue and without moving on to debate other items on the agenda.