Hariri Denies Delaying Govt. Formation, May Submit Line-Up 'Tomorrow'

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Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Thursday denied that he is delaying the formation of the new government, revealing that he might submit a draft line-up to President Michel Aoun on Friday.

“I'm not neglecting the formation process but I have the right to have a vacation and I traveled to see my family. We have now 'pressed the turbo button' in order to form a government as soon as possible,” Hariri told reporters when asked about remarks by Speaker Nabih Berri.

“We will certainly bring all people together (in the new government) and it is my duty to do so. I'm optimistic and we can finalize all these things within days,” Hariri added.

Asked whether the obstacles are external or domestic, the PM-designate said: “There are no external obstacles but rather domestic ones, but they can be resolved and nothing is impossible to resolve.”

“I'm not taking my time but I don't know why would we want to rush things. First, I was designated around three weeks ago and second we marked the holy month of Ramadan and afterwards the Eid. We are consulting with all political parties,” Hariri stressed.

He added: “I wish the rhetoric in the country had been calmer during my absence or during the Eid holiday so that we can form the government.”

Asked whether there is an obstacle related to the Lebanese Forces' representation, Hariri said: “There are no obstacles with the LF or other parties. Such matters happen in any cabinet formation process. This is normal but I am optimistic and, God willing, we will finalize the issue within days. We must not blow things out of proportion because they're really not that enormous.”

As for his latest meeting with Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Jebran Bassil, Hariri said: “He said that it was a positive meeting and I will also say that.”

Asked whether he will accept the appointment of Sunni ministers from outside his al-Mustaqbal Movement, Hariri added: “We are talking to everyone and when the line-up becomes ready I will visit the President and this might happen tomorrow.”

Told that Saudi Arabia “has no interest currently in the formation of a government” because it is “betting on regional developments,” the PM-designate answered: “Who exactly is saying this? I always hear such remarks and then I hear different remarks. I went to Saudi Arabia and they are keen on a speedy government formation. That's why such claims are incorrect and baseless. No one (in Saudi Arabia) spoke to me about this.”

Later on Thursday, Hariri's office announced that he met at the Center House with Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh, caretaker Information Minister Melhem Riachi of the LF and MP Wael Abu Faour of the Progressive Socialist Party.

“Talks focused on the government issue,” the office said.

The main obstacles delaying the new government are reportedly the number of seats that should be allocated to the Lebanese Forces and whether or not MP Talal Arslan should be given a portfolio.

Hariri was tasked with forming the new government on May 24.

SourceNaharnet
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