Salam Tours ex-PMs Ahead of Cabinet Formation, Says Seeking Govt. Comprising No MP Hopefuls

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam began on Monday to tour former premiers in a protocol measure ahead of holding consultations with parliamentary blocs on the type of the government and the division of portfolios.

Salam's first stop was the residence of caretaker PM Najib Miqati in Verdun.

Following their talks, the PM-designate said: “I heard Miqati's viewpoint. I am in need for all expertise to confront the formation of the government.”

The caretaker premier also wished Salam luck in his mission.

“No doubt we take examples from the experience of former PMs,” Salam later said following talks with ex-Prime Minister Salim Hoss.

He hoped for results “soon” in his efforts to form the cabinet.

He later met with former PM Rashid al-Solh and then Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun at his residence in Rabieh.

“I hope that the atmosphere of consensus that prevailed during my appointment will carry on for the formation of the new government,” he told reporters after the meeting.

“I hope that members of my government will not run in the elections and this requires an effort from all political powers. The FPM can play a major role to that end,” Salam remarked.

In addition, he stated: “Seeing as the new government will be tasked with staging the elections, I hope that it will be given the chance to hold them away from political tensions.”

He refused to delve into the details of the government-formation process without having completed the consultations with political powers.

The premier-designate then held talks with former PM Omar Karami before heading to Beirut for talks with former Prime Minister Fouad Saniora.

In remarks to al-Joumhouria newspaper, Salam expressed relief over the optimism that the rival parties have expressed.

“I only heard positive and constructive attitudes,” he said.

Asked about calls to avoid political deception, Salam said: “We hope that everyone would steer clear of deceit and replace it with the spirit of cooperation.”

The PM-designate reiterated that the overwhelming support he got during the two-day binding consultations between parliamentary blocs and President Michel Suleiman should be reflected on the cabinet formation process.

Salam concluded his talks with ex-PMs by telephoning former premier Saad Hariri. Discussions tackled the latest developments and the cabinet formation process.

Salam, a Beirut MP, is known for his moderation but politically leans towards the March 14 alliance.

After his appointment by Suleiman over the weekend, he said he will work for the formation of a “government of national interest.”

The son of the former premier, Saeb Salam, said he supports the freedom of the Syrian people while insisting his country remain neutral in its neighbor's civil war.

He also said the priority would be to hold legislative polls.