Salam Shrugs Off Hizbullah Campaign, Says Cabinet Constitutional when Decree Signed
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam has shrugged off criticism about the non-constitutionality of a de facto government, saying the new cabinet would be constitutional immediately after the president signs the decree.
In remarks to al-Joumhouria newspaper published on Saturday, Salam said: “Any discussion about a neutral or non neutral cabinet is political.”
“The objections to it are also political,” he said.
“The constitution gives the cabinet a constitutional status as soon as the president signs its (formation) decree, and whether it gets parliament's vote of confidence or not,” Salam added.
He told the daily that new consultations for the formation of the cabinet would be launched if his government failed to get the vote of confidence.
“I am still open for discussion and coordination with everyone but they should decide whether they want to protect their interests and their power or the interests of the nation,” Salam said about the rival parties.
His remarks came as several members of the Hizbullah-led March 8 alliance launched a campaign against President Michel Suleiman over reports he would agree with Salam to form a fait accompli government.
Salam has blamed the March 8 and 14 camps and the conditions imposed by them on his failure to come up with a line-up. He was appointed in April.
Al-Mustaqbal bloc MP Jean Oghassabian told al-Joumhouria that the media has speculated about a fait accompli government.
But it hasn't been translated into deeds, he said.
“The reaction of Hizbullah is natural because it resorts to intimidation and threats particularly if the cabinet was formed without its approval,” the lawmaker added.
Hizbullah MP Mohammed Raad hinted lately that the party would not hand any portfolio to any new minister in a cabinet which “lacks political backing.”
The party's deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has also insisted on the formation of a cabinet in which the March 8 and 14 alliances would get nine ministers each and neutrals six ministers.
However, such a government line-up is rejected by the March 14 alliance.
14 December 2013, 08:55
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“The constitution gives the cabinet a constitutional status as soon as the president signs its (formation) decree, and whether it gets parliament's vote of confidence or not,” Salam added.
What exactly is "constitutional status"? Does that mean they replace the existing cabinet or does that mean they are the "cabinet to be" pending parliamentary ratification?
As it stands Lebanon will not have a government for years. Unfortunately the important decisions not made will sink Lebanon long before that. And what will it take before Lebanon is declared in a state of emergency?
14 December 2013, 10:45
52
Well the Daily Star answered my question ...
Salam, whose comments come amid a fierce attack by the March 8 coalition against any attempts to form a fait accompli Cabinet, also said he was still open to communication with all parties.
“When a government is formed, it becomes constitutional given that it is formed with the president’s signatures on decrees accepting the former Cabinet's resignation, the designation [of a new PM] decree, the decree to form a government and the ministerial lineup,” Salam told Al-Joumhouria.
“After the president signs the decrees, the Cabinet lineup is then referred to Parliament for a vote of confidence,” he added.
If the lineup fails to secure a parliamentary majority, the Cabinet would automatically become a caretaker government, Salam said.
“If it is granted the vote, then it will take on its normal path,” he noted."
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This is an interpretation by Salam. Any constitutional experts out there?
14 December 2013, 09:35
26
the usual problem: threats.
whenever the constitution is not to their liking, they wave their guns.
we have a constitution: Mr President please apply it. if these thugs want to wage war, let them.
hizbushaitan definition;
- against the constitution
- thieves
- murderers
- terrorists
- extremists
- drug smugglers
- kidnappers
- smugglers
- assassins
- ...
- and most import: traitors.
14 December 2013, 12:47
00
this place is turns to arguments between peoples, its a circus, noting itresting to read. same always same.
