Salam: Decision on Cabinet Session Hinges on Progress of Consultations

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Prime Minister Tammam Salam reiterated on Wednesday that he was giving consultations on the cabinet crisis more time before calling for a session.

He said he is “still looking for a solution.” That's why he “procrastinated on inviting the government for a session this week.”

But Salam warned in remarks to al-Mustaqbal newspaper that the procrastination is not a permanent decision and could expire next week.

“We are paving way for solutions and efforts (exerted by officials). We will see how things progress on a weekly basis,” he said.

The premier stressed that Speaker Nabih Berri is backing the efforts he is exerting to end the paralysis, which erupted when the Free Patriotic Movement insisted on discussing the government's working mechanism before any other issue.

During a session last week, cabinet ministers failed to take any decision. Instead they traded blame on the crisis.

“Berri's support is clear. He is striving to consolidate the country and reactivate legislative and government work,” said Salam.

He also lauded the efforts exerted by Progressive Socialist Party chief MP Walid Jumblat to resolve the cabinet crisis.

He said Jumblat's last meeting with al-Mustaqbal Movement leader ex-PM Saad Hariri in Paris aimed at removing the obstacles facing the government.

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