Hariri Says Berri 'Very Keen' on Govt. Formation, Line-Up May be Announced 'Very Soon'

Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri announced after talks with Speaker Nabih Berri on Friday evening that the parliament speaker is “very keen” on a speedy formation of the new government, noting that the line-up of the cabinet might be finalized “very soon.”

“Speaker Berri is very keen on speeding up the formation of the cabinet and resolving all obstacles. The atmosphere is certainly positive and God willing things will move forward and we will reach a happy ending very soon,” Hariri said after the meeting in Ain el-Tineh.

Asked whether the new Cabinet will be formed before Christmas, Hariri said: “God willing.”

“President (Michel) Aoun is keen on the formation of the cabinet and today we found Speaker Berri very keen on finalizing the line-up and I hope everyone will facilitate the process... We talked about everything and things are positive,” added Hariri.

Asked whether Berri has agreed to give up a certain ministerial portfolio, the PM-designate said he agreed with him that “everyone should cooperate.”

“He was very positive,” Hariri added.

Hariri was accompanied by his adviser Nader Hariri and the meeting was held in the presence of Berri's adviser, caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil.

Media reports have said that Berri and Aoun have launched efforts aimed at resolving the obstacles that are hindering the formation of the new cabinet.

Berri and Hariri were expected to discuss the ministerial portfolio that will be offered to Marada Movement chief MP Suleiman Franjieh, “knowing that Hariri did not make any offer to the Marada chief during their meeting two days ago,” the reports said.

Franjieh's demand to get a key ministerial portfolio is one of the main declared obstacles that are delaying the formation of the new cabinet.

Franjieh has announced that Marada will not join the new cabinet if it does not get one of three so-called important portfolios – public works, energy or telecommunications.

Berri, who is negotiating on behalf of the Hizbullah-led March 8 forces, has backed Franjieh's demand and insisted that Marada should be represented in the government with an important portfolio.