May 7, Not June 7, Defined Cabinet Formation
Lebanese Forces MP George Adwan told Voice of Lebanon radio station on Saturday that the “effects of May 7 [2008] were stronger than those of June 7 [the parliamentary elections]” on the cabinet formation. He said that the newly formed cabinet does not reflect the outcome of the parliamentary elections, expressing his dissatisfaction with the distribution of ministerial portfolios in the government.
In possible reference to recent disagreements over the inclusion of Hezbollah’s weapons in the Ministerial Statement, Adwan said Lebanon is facing a decision “that could either open the door to a promising future or lead to the continuation of the situation that followed the May 7 events.”
Adwan stressed that there should be national consensus on the Ministerial Statement, which should also include reforms in its text. He added that the LF will openly oppose any clause it disagrees with in the Statement.
He also voiced concern over Telecommunications Minister Charbel Nahhas’s rhetoric, saying the minister’s economic plans contradict with the stipulations of the Paris III donor conference, which met in 2007 to find financial assistance for the country after Israel’s 33-day war against Hezbollah in the summer of 2006.
“I am worried because we are facing a hybrid cabinet with no unified vision” between its members, added Adwan.