Ibrahim Renews Mediation as Raad Says Talks 'Not Back to Square One'

General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim has renewed his mediation that is aimed at finding a solution for the standoff over the sixth Sunni minister in the new government, media reports said.

“Ibrahim is holding consultations away from the spotlights to explore whether he can resume his mediation,” sources involved in the efforts told al-Hayat newspaper in remarks published Tuesday.

The head of Hizbullah’s parliamentary bloc MP Mohammed Raad meanwhile announced that things “have not returned to square one” in the cabinet formation process.

“But there are still obstacles delaying the government’s formation,” he added, calling on everyone to “engage in dialogue” to find “a solution for this crisis.”

Raad also described Sunni figure Jawad Adra as “the first obstructor.”

“We consider the candidate whom we proposed and who refused to join our ranks as the first and real obstructor and we don’t know if someone pushed him to do so,” Raad added.