Cabinet to Be Announced before Aug.1 if Leaders Overcome Obstacle over Bassil”s Appointment
The daily An Nahar on Wednesday said the Cabinet lineup is likely to be announced before Army Day on Aug. 1 if political leaders overcome an obstacle over the appointment of Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun”s son-in-law Jebran Bassil.
It said several deals were proposed, most significantly a 30-strong Cabinet that includes 15 ministers for the majority, 10 for the Opposition and 5 for President Michel Suleiman.
Sources from the majority March 14 coalition, however, told An Nahar that this formula was not "final."
They said latest contacts have resolved the veto power issue after the Opposition has reportedly dropped its demand for a minority of one-third-plus-one which can block any Cabinet decision.
An Nahar said the issue of a "neutral" minister was also no longer in the cards.
"If discussions carry on as in line with the plan, Cabinet will be established before Army Day, one source said.
Opposition sources, meanwhile, told An Nahar that the key obstacle to government formation was Bassil whom Aoun holds on to.
Pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat said Aoun is seeking the interior ministry portfolio despite agreement beforehand that both the interior and defense ministries are President Michel Suleiman”s share.