Aoun Claims Current FPM Cabinet Portfolios Plus New One
Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun said that he adheres to FPM”s current cabinet portfolios in addition to a new one since all parties are adhering to their portfolios and since his bloc”s MPs count rose from 21 to 27. Aoun said that he is still waiting for Hariri”s response on the subject.
In a new stance that reshuffles cards in the cabinet formation issue, Aoun said that the proposals presented to FPM by PM-designate Saad Hariri do not match the ideas they had discussed before. Aoun also said that he rejects the alternative portfolios proposed.
"I am not the one setting obstacles, they are setting obstacles regarding cabinet formation. There is an attempt to pressure us and throw the responsibility on us," said the FPM leader.
Aoun stressed that he will not allow anyone to deny FPM the right to attain any portfolio attributing that right to his party”s history that is more honorable than many other parties history.
Regarding the latest optimistic atmosphere on cabinet formation, Aoun denied his knowledge about the subject and said that made him think the new cabinet is going to be a parliamentary majority one.
Aoun slammed Al Mustaqbal Movement, saying that he does not approve their financial administrating of the country especially since they took hold of the Finance ministry.
Answering a question regarding what the new cabinet”s Policy Statement will include about Hizbullah”s arms, Aoun said that Hizbullah will not use its arms internally except for self defense.
"We are friends with Syria and what hurts Syria hurts us," said Aoun in response to those who hold Syria accountable for the new cabinet”s delay.
Aoun held PM-designate Saad Hariri accountable if he failed again in forming the anticipated government whether Hariri submitted to pressures from his surrounding or not.