Report: Hariri Will Not Make Any Further Concessions
Informed sources ruled out formation of the Lebanese cabinet during the weekend but stressed to pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat this does not mean there is "absolute pessimism" although PM-designate Saad Hariri has reportedly stressed he won”t make more concessions.
A parliamentary source told al-Liwaa that the cabinet crisis is now revolving over demands to give Jebran Bassil the telecommunications portfolio and the ministry that MP Michel Aoun is asking for instead of the energy portfolio.
As Safir daily, in its turn, said a new "partial rotation" concept is being discussed. The proposal is an amended version of the formula proposed by MP Suleiman Franjieh to Aoun on Wednesday.
The new formula includes keeping the telecom as part of Aoun”s share and replacing the tourism ministry with the social affairs portfolio headed by Bassil. Under the proposal, the telecom would be given to another Change and Reform bloc member and Aoun would also get the displaced and culture ministries.
Al-Akhbar newspaper, meanwhile, quoted a source close to Hariri as hinting that the premier-designate "is ready to keep the country without a cabinet for an additional 10 months if the other party doesn”t make concessions."
Hariri "will not make any further concessions to Aoun," the source added.