Report: PSP, Hizbullah in Contact to Avert Repercussions of Cabinet Paralysis

The Progressive Socialist Party kicked off contacts with Hizbullah to tackle the possible scenarios if the cabinet was paralyzed due to the sharp rift between ministers over the controversy of appointments of high-ranking security officials at state posts.

Al-Mustaqbal newspaper reported on Wednesday that the PSP underlined the available options to manage the cabinet paralysis if Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun went ahead with his threats and boycotted the government sessions.

Sources close to the PSP, which is led by MP Walid Jumblat, told the daily that Hizbullah officials didn't express reservations over the proposals.

The PSP reportedly suggested that Prime Minister Tammam Salam should continue to hold daily ministerial meetings to run the affairs of the state. The Higher Defense Council will also have to hold periodic meetings to follow up on the security developments and maintain stability, and ministers should cooperate with the premier and ink decrees that don't need the approval of the cabinet.

The proposals suggested by the PSP surfaced as Aoun threatened Tuesday after his Change and Reform bloc meeting that his ministers will boycott cabinet sessions until the appointments dilemma is resolved.

He slammed the cabinet, saying that the government should go on vacation until September if it will not appoint new security and military chiefs.

He has repeatedly warned the government against extending the terms of the army and Internal Security Forces chiefs, deeming it illegal.

He allegedly backs the appointment of his son-in-law, Commando Regiment chief Brig. Gen. Chamel Roukoz, as army commander.

Military chief Gen. Jean Qahwaji is set to retire on September 23, while ISF chief Major General Ibrahim Basbous is set to retire on June 4.

H.K.

G.K.