Salam Briefs Suleiman on Results of Consultations, Hopes to Meet Expectations of all Lebanese

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam hoped on Thursday he would be able to meet the expectations of all the Lebanese after completing two days of consultations with lawmakers on the formation of the new government.

Salam made the terse statement after visiting President Michel Suleiman at Baabda palace to brief him on the results of the consultations he concluded on Wednesday and which proved that his task in forming the new cabinet will be difficult.

He reiterated on Wednesday that he held onto the formation of a national interest government whose main mission will be to supervise the parliamentary polls.

“The majority of blocs and MPs are supporting the facilitation of the PM-designate's mission,” he said.

But the country's two major camps were divided with March 8 coalition MPs calling for a national unity government and those from the March 14 alliance demanding a neutral cabinet.

Also Thursday, Salam pointed out that the draft-law that was approved by the parliament to suspend deadlines applicable under the 1960 electoral law will facilitate the formation of his cabinet.

Salam said in an interview with As Safir newspaper that he “has no specific time to form the cabinet.”

“The cabinet will be neutral and work with all parties,” Salam said, considering it that it'll be a national government not against any side.

“After my appointment the situation in the country improved as people felt the presence of democracy and that the state exists,” Salam said told the newspaper. “They regained hope.”

He described the tenure of previous governments as “not successful.”

Salam reiterated that his cabinet will be formed to only supervise the parliamentary elections.

Over the weekend, the Beirut MP was tasked by President Michel Suleiman to form the new cabinet after he received the support of 124 out of 128 MPs.

The government of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati resigned on March 22 over several controversial issues.