Ibrahim Meets al-Rahi, His Govt. Initiative 'Still on Front Burner'

General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim met Tuesday with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi in Bkirki, as media reports said his initiative for resolving the government formation crisis is “still on the front burner.”

Ibrahim did not make a statement while leaving Bkirki but informed sources told al-Joumhouria newspaper in remarks published Tuesday that his initiative could be “the only solution that is strongly present on the table.”

“There are no alternative choices, especially that it has won the acceptance of the more obstinate party, which is the President and the Free Patriotic Movement,” the sources added.

The sources explained that the initiative is based on “a 5+1 share” for the President’s camp and an interior minister candidate enjoying the approval of both Aoun and PM-designate Saad Hariri.

“If there are good intentions, this initiative should be crowned by an imminent positive meeting between Aoun and Hariri that would lead to an active return to negotiations,” the sources added.

And while Hariri is “yet to give an answer” regarding this initiative, which is expected after his return to Lebanon, the sources revealed that influential countries have voiced support for the proposed solution.