FPM Denies Bassil Interfering in Govt. Formation Process

The Free Patriotic Movement on Wednesday denied that its leader Jebran Bassil is interfering in the cabinet formation process.

“Over the past two days, suspicious and false political and journalistic allegations were repeated about an interference by FPM chief Jebran Bassil in the cabinet formation process, once in the form of claims about him leading the negotiations and once in the form of allegations that he is seeking a blocking one-third or ministerial portfolios such as foreign affairs and social affairs,” the FPM’s central media committee said in a statement.

It added: “The FPM renews its rebuttal of any interference, negotiations or even a desire by MP Bassil to engage in the cabinet formation process, other than his facilitation, politically and through the media, of the formation process.”

“He has repeatedly stressed the importance of expediting formation and he wants it to be this week if possible, so that the Lebanese can have a government that can halt the collapse and begin the reform process,” the FPM added.

In remarks to Nidaa al-Watan newspaper, sources had accused Bassil of maneuvering in the selection of candidates in order to obtain “a blocking one-third and guarantee his ability to control the government and have a veto right to block its decisions.”

“The main standoff is revolving around this point and everything else is details stemming from it,” the sources added.

“Bassil is personally steering the intensive movements by Baabda’s envoys towards the PM-designate,” the sources charged.