Report: Salam Returns to Beirut, to Hold Consultations ahead of Calling Cabinet to Session

Prime Minister Tammam Salam returned on Thursday to Lebanon following his trip to the United States where he attended the United Nations General Assembly.

Government sources told al-Mustaqbal daily on Friday that the premier is unlikely to call cabinet to session.

They explained that he is seeking to carry out consultations with various political powers over pending issues before calling the government to convene.

Speculation has been rife this week over when Salam will hold a cabinet meeting to address various contentious issues, most notably the security appointments and promotions file.

The months-long dispute over this issue prompted ministers from the Change and Reform bloc to boycott cabinet meetings.

The Change and Reform totally rejects the extension of the terms of top military and security officials, calling for the appointment of new figures instead.

It is also backing the promotion of army officers to keep Commando Regiment chief Chamel Roukoz in the military and make him eligible to become army commander because differences among rival parties are hindering new appointments in the absence of a president.

Roukoz is Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun's son-in-law.