Salam Calls for Filling Vacuum, Warns he 'Won't Wait Forever'

Premier-designate Tammam Salam warned of a vacuum in the executive authority, saying the new cabinet should be formed swiftly despite the lack of intention by the political parties to cooperate with him in his mission.

In remarks to several local dailies, Salam said he will speed up the consultations with the different sides after the law on the extension of parliament’s mandate becomes valid at midnight Thursday.

“The same way the legislative branch filled the vacuum caused by the postponement of the elections, the executive authority should do so as well,” the PM-designate said.

The parliament extended its term for 17 months, pushing the elections to November 2014.

The extension law was challenged by President Michel Suleiman and the Change and Reform bloc. But the law would become valid after midnight Thursday - the date parliament's current term expires - after the Constitutional Council failed to meet to issue a ruling on the petitions over lack of quorum.

Salam told As Safir that after the issue is resolved he is no longer ready to waste time in forming the cabinet although he “had a feeling that the political parties had no intention to cooperate with him to facilitate the formation process.”

He stressed the importance of forming a government that is capable of confronting political, economic and security challenges.

“But when I realize that it is impossible to reach consensus on a cabinet make-up, then I would take the appropriate decision,” he said, adding “I won't wait forever.”

In similar remarks, Suleiman hoped that the cabinet will be all-embracing.

“But if that doesn't happen... then we can't stop the cabinet formation process forever,” he said.

Suleiman called on all sides to help the efforts exerted by Salam.