FPM Escalation to Stay 'Limited' amid Contacts to Secure Cabinet Stability

The Free Patriotic Movement's expected escalation over the file of military appointments will remain “limited” and will not reach the extent of toppling the government, a media report said on Tuesday.

“The FPM's escalation will not topple the government, because forcing its collapse would affect the September 5 national dialogue, the Hizbullah-Mustaqbal bilateral dialogue, and Lebanon's participation in the meeting of the U.N. General Assembly in New York next month,” An Nahar newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying.

The sources revealed that contacts are underway to secure stability during the cabinet's upcoming session, noting that Prime Minister Tammam Salam has recently avoided voicing any stances that could be perceived as provocation by some parties.

“He is keen on maintaining the cabinet's work and he will intensify his contacts in the next 24 hours to ensure a calm atmosphere during Thursday's session and the approval of the needed decisions,” the sources added.

According to information obtained by An Nahar, Speaker Nabih Berri is supporting Salam in his efforts to preserve the cabinet, with Hizbullah also informing all relevant parties that it is keen on the survival of the government.

And as sources pointed out that the FPM's escalatory options could involve several steps ranging from street protests to suspending participation in the cabinet's meetings or even resigning, al-Liwaa newspaper stressed that the movement “will not go too far in its escalation.”

“It clearly does not have the ability to resign from the cabinet or suspend participation,” the daily said.

According to al-Liwaa's information, the FPM's allies – both Hizbullah and the Lebanese Forces – do not want to see the country “plunging into the unknown.”

Change and Reform bloc sources meanwhile told the newspaper that “no decision has been taken until the moment to boycott cabinet sessions” while calling for awaiting the decisions that will be announced after the bloc's weekly meeting on Tuesday.