Suleiman Denies Decision to Suspend Cabinet Sessions, Says Dispute Will be Resolved

President Michel Suleiman expressed optimism on Monday that the cabinet members will be able to resolve the dispute among each other soon.

“The rift between the cabinet members is on minor issues,” Suleiman told As Safir Newspaper.

He noted that the appointment of top civil servants could have been subject to a vote, but the problem lies in obtaining two-thirds majority of the votes.

“I suggested amending the constitution so that the vote depends on the majority of the votes,” Suleiman stated.

He said that no parties are willing to boycott the cabinet.

Last week, a sharp debate over the issue of civil service appointments between Prime Minister Najib Miqati and Free Patriotic Movement ministers at the Baabda Palace led the suspension of the session by the president at Miqati’s request.

Miqati accused FPM leader MP Michel Aoun’s ministers of obstructing the cabinet’s work, saying he will not allow anyone to undermine the prime minister’s prerogatives.

However, Suleiman said that there is no decision to suspend the cabinet meetings as Miqati aims at rectifying the appointments issue in conformity with regulations and principles.

He criticized Labor Minister Charbel Nahhas, who is loyal to Aoun, for not signing the transportation allowance decree that was approved by the majority in the cabinet.

The controversial transportation allowance remains a contentious issue between the cabinet members as Nahhas refuses to approve the allowance which he deemed “illegal.”

The cabinet had tasked Nahhas with preparing a draft law and referring it to the parliament for adoption, allowing the government to set the minimum rates for transportation and education allowances, thus “legalizing” them.

Asked about the possibility of consensus with Aoun, Suleiman revealed that he had contacted the FPM leader several times, lashing out at those who are describing him as “isolated.”