Crisis at Risk of Escalating
In an interview with Ad-Diyar newspaper on Sunday, Lebanese Forces bloc MP George Adwan said that the government formation crisis is at risk of expanding to Lebanon as a whole, and that he expects the formation of a national-agreement cabinet “in structure only, since we have not agreed on any details.”
“The obstructing third-vote still exists, and we are heading toward a de facto government rather than a cabinet that builds the foundation for Lebanon’s successful future,” he said.
Adwan voiced concern over Lebanon’s entire system and constitution, saying that obstacles in finalizing the government have become domestic.
He called for a gradual revival of the role of institutions as well as for adopting an electoral law based on proportionality and for separating the ministry from the parliament.
Adwan described Marada Movement leader MP Sleiman Franjieh’s announcement to give up a ministerial portfolio as a “good initiative,” commending him for his attempts to unite diverging points of view among parties. He also urged all parties to encourage Franjieh’s deliberations.
According to Franjieh, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt’s stance is very “distinct, and what he is doing serves the interests of his sect.”
Adwan also called for adopting a clear ministerial statement that addresses Hezbollah’s arms in detail rather than in general, given that in doing the latter, he said, “we would be laughing at ourselves.”