Hariri Proposed Giving Aoun “Health” Instead of “Telecoms” Ministry
Both PM-designate Saad Hariri and Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun were not crucial in deciding on names and ministerial portfolios during a meeting held between the two men in Rabiyeh on Monday.
The daily An-Nahar on Tuesday said Hariri and Aoun did not even put a time frame on the announcement of the new government.
It said, however, that the two leaders agreed to continue talks on a Cabinet deal.
Hariri made no statements following his talks with Aoun who then hosted lunch for the Mustaqbal Movement leader.
FPM sources told An Nahar that the meeting focused on two points – the number of ministerial portfolios allotted for Aoun”s bloc and pinpointing them.
They said several scenarios were discussed that guarantee Aoun”s bloc will get four or five portfolios.
The sources said those portfolios include education, public works, labor, justice and energy.
They said Hariri and Aoun drafted a number of blueprints for a Cabinet lineup which Hariri will later present to his allies.
As-Safir newspaper said Aoun has held on to key ministerial seats which include education, public works, labor and culture.
Aoun tried to get a replacement for the telecoms ministry, according to As-Safir.
It quoted sources close to Hariri as saying that the premier-designate suggested during Monday”s meeting giving Aoun the health, instead of the telecoms ministry.