Berri on His Meeting with Saniora: No One Questions Me

Speaker Nabih Berri has denied that he was questioned by al-Mustaqbal parliamentary bloc leader MP Fouad Saniora over the consultations on the government formation process.

Berri told local dailies published on Wednesday that he stressed to Saniora the importance of keeping discussions on the policy statement to the aftermath of the cabinet formation.

He said he held onto the army-people-resistance formula, which the March 14 camp is rejecting.

The alliance wants the statement to be based on the Baabda Declaration.

“There is a 30-day Constitutional deadline to discuss the policy statement,” Berri said.

But the speaker said he agreed with Saniora on the rotation of portfolios and having a balanced government that includes all sects.

The deal on the rotation lies on directors-general of ministries but not security agencies, he revealed.

Asked whether Saniora had asked him questions or sought for guarantees, Berri said: “No one questions me and I don't question anyone.”

His answer came in response to comments made by al-Mustaqbal officials that the March 14 alliance was waiting from the March 8 camp for answers on several questions dealing with the new cabinet.

Berri said he was cautiously optimistic, adding that the cabinet could be formed within 48 hours if the intentions of the rival parties were good.