Bassil Says No Cabinet Resolutions without Consensus, Lauds PM's 'Responsible Remarks'
Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil on Thursday lauded remarks by Prime Minister Tammam Salam on “turning the page” on the stormy July 9 cabinet session, as he stressed that no resolutions would be passed in cabinet without “consensus” among all its components.
“We appreciate his stance, especially that there is an intention to open a new chapter,” said Bassil at a press conference, describing Salam's statement as “responsible.”
“But we underline that the new chapter is not at the personal level with PM Salam, as the cabinet's functioning must be based on consensus,” Bassil added.
“We apologize to all Lebanese over the government's performance,” the FM went on to say, echoing earlier remarks by Salam.
The cabinet crisis grew earlier this month when a dispute erupted between Salam and Bassil, who is a Free Patriotic Movement official, over the cabinet's decision-making mechanism.
The tension between Salam and Bassil was accompanied by a protest by FPM supporters near the Grand Serail where the session was underway. The FPM, which is led by MP Michel Aoun, accuses the premier of infringing on the Christian president's powers in the absence of a head of state.
“We represent the president, although partially. That's why we're entrusted with the president's powers in their absence,” Bassil added.
“If we couldn't agree on the appointment of a security official, a minister should not commit legal violations” by extending the terms of the incumbent officials, Bassil said, referring to Defense Minister Samir Moqbel.
“I hope we will implement the law and the Constitution, especially in the issue of appointments,” the FM stated.
Earlier on Thursday, the government failed to reach a decision on its working mechanism and the waste crisis but agreed to continue discussions next week.
The session was held at the Grand Serail amid a “disgust” expressed by Salam over the failure to bridge the gap between the bickering sides in the government.
The government did not discuss details on how to dispose of waste because Salam had clinched a deal with Free Patriotic Movement ministers not to tackle any issue before resolving the dispute on the cabinet's decision-making mechanism.
Y.R.
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