Jumblat Stresses “S-S” Equation, Aridi in Saudi Arabia
Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat welcomed PM-designate Saad Hariri”s cabinet line-up as long as it is based on the concept of national unity and insisted the “Syria-Saudi Arabia” equation was the solution to government formation.
"We welcome any effort that comes as part of the national unity cabinet and national partnership framework and on the basis of the 15-10-5 formula," Jumblat told pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat.
He said Hariri did not give him during their meeting on Sunday night details about the cabinet line-up. "He (the PM-designate) told me that he would make a new attempt with the president to come up with a solution," the Druze leader said.
"I stressed to him on the importance of sticking to the concept of national partnership to preserve Lebanon and on the “Syria-Saudi Arabia equation”," Jumblat added.
He also told As Safir daily that the cabinet should be formed as soon as possible and small details should be left out.
The newspaper said Jumblat had recently informed the opposition that he would be ready to give the telecommunications ministry to Jebran Bassil in return for keeping the public works ministry with Ghazi Aridi.
Official information said Jumblat sent Aridi to Saudi Arabia on a business trip linked to the Lebanese cabinet issue.