Riachi from Center House: Some Seeking to Harm Hariri's Efforts

Caretaker Information Minister Melhem Riachi of the Lebanese Forces warned Friday that some parties were seeking to undermine Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's latest efforts to resolve the government deadlock.

“Some are seeking to harm PM-designate Saad Hariri's efforts and to turn against the settlement, especially after the formation process neared its final stage,” Riachi said after talks with Hariri at the Center House.

“We must endorse unified standards based on appropriate balances,” the minister added, revealing that Hariri has held phone talks with LF leader Samir Geagea to “coordinate the stances.”

Hariri also held talks Friday with Free Patriotic Movement chief MP Jebran Bassil and MP Wael Abu Faour of the Progressive Socialist Party.

Wrangling between President Michel Aoun and the Lebanese Forces over the justice portfolio is reportedly the new obstacle that is delaying the formation of the government.