Hariri Poised for Dialogue, Not Traditional Parliamentary Consultations
Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri will put parliamentary consultations back on track, but this time the parliamentary majority leader intends to engage in a meaningful, "lengthy" dialogue rather than negotiation or debate.
Pan-Arab daily al-Hayat said Tuesday that Hariri, who is scheduled to return from Saudi Arabia on Thursday, was preparing to launch ever-wider round of parliamentary consultations which are unparalleled in the history of government formations in Lebanon, given that they grant blocs longer time that the traditional period for hearing the demands.
Hariri has extended binding parliamentary consultations, which are expected to kick off on Thursday for six more days until next Tuesday, excluding Sunday.
Parliamentary sources told al-Hayat that Hariri tends to allocate one hour for each parliamentary bloc and 30 minutes for independent lawmakers, as the premier-designate believes that the time factor contributes to the exploration of attitudes for what they are.
They said Hariri is determined to engage in "open and honest dialogue" that would tackle various issues, including the sensitive ones to be able to lay a new foundation for negotiations based on the parliamentary blocs” clarity in their demands.
Talks this time will tackle issues in depth, unlike the previous round of consultations where MPs had to answer two questions regarding ministerial portfolios and names, the sources added.
Meanwhile, MP Boutros Harb said in a television interview late Monday that consultations will rather be "dialogue sessions, meaning that the traditional time given for each bloc exceeds the normal time allowed for each bloc."
"This will lead for longer delays in Cabinet formation," Harb explained.