Ogassapian: March 14 adheres to the principles of the Cedar Revolution
“The redistribution of portfolios among eleven ministers from the opposition’s ranks took five weeks; therefore, it is natural that the distribution of ministerial portfolios of sixteen ministers take some time,” Minister of State for Administrative Development Jean Ogassapian told NOW Lebanon on Thursday night.
Ogassapian emphasized that there were ongoing consultations among the March 14 ranks to find a formula that reflected its structure. “March 14 is today more coherent and consistent, and adheres to the principles of the Cedar Revolution,” he stated.
The minister also said Future bloc leader Saad Hariri was working to overcome a complications and obstacles. “Now we can say that [issues] are fully resolved, and the majority is ready to declare its formula in the next few hours,” Ogassapian said.
“Prime Minister-designate is working diligently to achieve the formation of a national unity government… but there is some reservation around former President of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, Ali Qanso, in order to preserve the government”s ability to make certain decisions on pressing political, security and economic situations and living conditions,” he explained.
The ruling majority had a genuine desire to see the completing of the cabinet as soon as possible and the full application of the Doha Agreement, particularly as a means to national dialogue on disarmament.
The minister commented on security events in Tripoli, arguing that a “third party was igniting the fire.”
The speedy formation of a government would provide political cover for the Lebanese Army and security forces to secure and impose security, he added. Ogassapian urged the army not to play the role of mediator, but to be resolute and firm in holding those responsible for the Tripoli violence accountable.