Opposition To Adopt Steps If Government Formation Delayed
Parliamentary minority sources said it would adopt certain steps if government formation were further delayed. Sources expressed their chagrin against the current delay, questioning the reasons behind the absence of the Prime Minister-designee”s continued absence overseas.
Opposition sources told the daily Ad-Diyar on Sunday it would study its options regarding this issue. It added that any further delay is no longer acceptable, knowing that all concerned have agreed upon a government formula.
Ad-Diyar said that the obstacle of nominating current Sports and Youth Minister Talal Arslan to government was approached by proposing the nomination of his deputy Marwan Abu Fadel to a government portfolio. “Change and Reform” Parliamentary bloc leader Michel Aoun who insisted on nominating current Deputy Prime Minister Essam Abu Jamra to cabinet rejected this proposal.
The paper added that “Democratic Gathering” parliamentary bloc leader MP Walid Jumblat informed his aids of his insistence that Arsalan be included in cabinet, in appreciation for his steadfast stand with the Progressive Socialist Party and Druze leader during the events of May 7 last year.