Berri: March 8 Victory Won”t Exclude Hariri, Jumblat from Government Participation
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said that in the event March 8 won the upcoming elections, the pro-Syrian alliance would not be allowed to exclude MPs Saad Hariri or Walid Jumblat from participating in the government.
"If the opposition won the elections, it would not be allowed to exclude MP Saad Hariri or Democratic Gathering leader Walid Jumblat and place them outside the Cabinet," Berri said in an interview published by the daily An Nahar on Thursday.
He believed the victory margin would be "very small."
"The difference between March 8 and 14 Forces at the legislature is currently 8 or 9 seats," Berri explained.
"In the end, the various parties will have to sit together at the same table and govern this unique country whose citizens deserve much more from us," Berri said.
The Speaker addressed those arguing about veto powers inside the Cabinet, mainly Prime Minister Fouad Saniora, telling them: "Consensus is being targeted."
He accused Saniora of working on postponing many issues under the current Cabinet until after the June 7 elections.
"How could the Lebanese vote and choose members of parliament without a Constitutional Council?" Berri asked, adding "that”s why my election platform focuses on a consensus system."