Hariri, Aoun Discuss Alternatives to Telecoms Ministry as Aoun”s Eye is on Justice Portfolio
Discussions during a fresh round of talks between Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun reportedly focused on studying the alternatives to the telecommunications ministry that would satisfy Aoun.
Hariri held a rare one-on-one meeting with Aoun in Rabiyeh at 5 pm Saturday.
Following the meeting which lasted 70 minutes, Hariri told reporters that the "atmosphere is positive and God willing, everything is okay."
LBC television, however, described the meeting as "unproductive."
From Aoun”s mansion, Hariri headed to the residence of Deputy Speaker Farid Makari only to return 15 minutes later to Rabiyeh to meet up Aoun and spend some time with him privately.
This time Hariri left without making any statements.
Aoun, however, told his Orange TV that "no agreement has yet been reached — neither on the Telecoms Ministry nor on any other portfolio."
Pan-Arab daily al-Hayat said Sunday that Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh had played a role in paving the way for a Hariri-Aoun get-together after Hariri”s distress over Aoun”s ambivalent stance towards ministerial portfolios.
Hariri has reportedly voiced shock after Aoun announced he was holding onto his current ministerial portfolios, including the telecoms ministry, and his demand for an extra seat.
Sources in the Opposition told al-Hayat that Aoun was "not" held onto the telecommunications seat, but wants a powerful portfolio as a substitute for the telecoms ministry.
The sources said the offer made to Aoun includes the ministries of Education, Social Affairs, Displaced People and Culture in addition to a state minister from Franjieh”s bloc.
Aoun, however, deemed the proposal as "insufficient."
The sources said Aoun would be pleased if he was given the Justice Ministry. But they ruled out such a deal.
Ad-Diyar, meanwhile, said Hariri has offered Aoun the ministries of Education, Social Affairs, Displace and Labor, but added that Hariri did not hear back from Aoun.