Ibrahim Resumes Mediation after Aoun-Miqati Statements Spark Pessimism

"Calm" has returned after statements issued by President Michel Aoun and PM-designate Najib Miqati led to pessimism regarding the cabinet formation process, al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Friday.

It said General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim resumed his mediation after the two sides issued clarifications.

The daily added that although the disagreement is now limited to the economy portfolio, the chances of imminent government formation are fifty-fifty.

"It has become clear that everyone is dealing with Ibrahim's initiative as being the last chance," al-Akhbar said, adding that if the new government is not formed within days there will be no government in the foreseeable future.

Miqati's office had lamented that "some are insisting on turning the cabinet formation process into a political bazar."

The Presidency's press office quickly issued a statement saying that Aoun is not seeking a so-called blocking one-third in the government.

It later issued a statement clarifying that its initial remarks were not addressed against Miqati. Al-Akhbar reported that Miqati also clarified his stance.