Marouni decries political interference from Syria
Tourism Minister Elie Marouni said on Monday that Syria’s interference in Lebanese political affairs had become “obvious, especially since the Syrian newspaper Al-Watan reported that the Lebanese cabinet would not be formed before winter.”
Speaking to LBC television, Marouni said the Phalange Party would demand being granted two ministers in the new government, however, he added: “If our demands are not met, we will not obstruct the cabinet formation.”
Marouni said he insisted on reappointing Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri as prime minister-designate, “since he is capable of launching a development campaign.” The caretaker minister accused Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun of being a “mere cover for Hizbullah, which is the main obstructer of the cabinet formation.”
Marouni commented on MP Nicholas Fattouch’s decision to dismiss him from Zahle in the Heart bloc, saying that “no one” has the right to take such a decision, especially as there is no bylaw within the bloc that stipulates that the head of the bloc can dismiss members. Marouni revealed that he was deliberating with Fattouch to resolve the conflict.