Hariri, Bassil Meet to Discuss Delays in Cabinet Formation
Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri met with Telecommunications Minister Jebran Bassil on Wednesday to discuss obstacles facing a Cabinet lineup.
Bassil was assigned by Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun to talk with Hariri during his travel abroad.
Hariri and Aoun met at Baabda Palace on Monday in the first direct meeting between the two sides and both men pledged to continue talks despite the "many difficulties."
Bassil left Qoreitem on Wednesday without making any statement.
The daily As-Safir had said the talks will focus on two proposals for a new government – key ministers and a Cabinet of political leaders.
Hariri”s office on Tuesday, however, denied reports published by As-Safir and Al-Akhbar that the premier-designate had made new offers to Aoun.
The parliamentary majority and the Opposition had agreed on a 15-10-5 Cabinet makeup which grants the majority 15 ministers, the Opposition 10 and President Michel Suleiman 5, guaranteeing the president the tipping vote.
As-Safir said Wednesday Hariri is expected to share his views with Bassil regarding the new proposals for a Cabinet lineup.
Al-Liwaa newspaper, for its part, said Bassil”s visit to Qoreitem is to follow up on ideas for a Cabinet makeup discussed by Hariri and Aoun is Baabda.