Opposition Sets New Condition: Formation of a Non-Voting Cabinet

The Hizbullah-led opposition has reportedly set a new condition for talks on ending the presidential election

crisis: The formation of a non-voting cabinet.

 

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said the new condition was proposed by Gen. Michel Aoun.

 

Geagea said that Aoun made his proposal during a meeting on Thursday between the Free Patriotic Movement leader, MP Saad Hariri and former President Amin Gemayel in the presence of Arab League chief Amr Moussa.

 

“This proves that the opposition is not willing to elect a new president as it wants to change the cabinet into a presidential council,” Geagea said.

 

FPM MP Ibrahim Kanaan refused to comment on Geagea”s remarks.

 

“I did not read Geagea”s statement and I don”t know what he means by a non-voting cabinet,” he said. “I don”t think General Aoun proposed such an idea,” he told The Daily Star.

 

Sources with the majority March 14 Forces said Arab League Amr Moussa has clarified the interpretation of the Arab plan which denies the opposition veto power in the future government, while denying the ruling coalition absolute majority.

 

The Arab League plan appears to be inclined to adopt a formula where the majority gets 12 seats in a future cabinet, while the opposition gets 10 and the President 8.

 

The sources said March 14 did not reject the Arab League proposal, where as the opposition adhered to its stance which advocates a 10+10+10 formula.