Report: Hariri Proposes ‘Compromise’ Cabinet Format

A meeting between President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on the delayed Cabinet formation recorded a “slight breakthrough” as the two men reportedly agreed on a “new amended” format of the new government that still needs “minor” changes, reports said on Thursday.

Hariri, whose visit came one month after his last meeting with Aoun at the Baabda Palace, carried a “compromise, amended” format that focused on solving two main obstacles hindering his mission, the Druze obstacle and the share of the Lebanese Forces, the Saudi Asharq al-Awsat newspaper reported.

Unnamed sources said the suggestion allocated “four portfolios to the LF, including a so-called sovereign portfolio and the three Druze Cabinet seats for the Progressive Socialist Party.”

Hariri's sources told the daily “this formula satisfies everyone. If the intentions were sincere and there were no external obstacles hindering the government, the proposal will carry on.”

On the other hand, al-Joumhouria daily said Hariri carried a new “amended” formula of the ministerial shares, saying the suggestion this time has “abandoned” the difficult conditions set by political parties mainly the Druze obstacle, the Lebanese Forces share and the representation of the Sunni opposition.

The atmospheres “were positive” between the two men, it said. Aoun suggested a “slight change” regarding the Druze representation, meanwhile, a solution for the controversial LF ministerial share “is not difficult to find,” said the daily.

Meetings between the two men will be intensified, and Hariri is expected to visit Aoun again before the end of the week “shall the contacts he plans to make with political parties” lead to fruition, said al-Joumhouria.

Hariri was tasked with forming a new government on May 24.

Several obstacles are hindering his mission, especially political wrangling over the Christian and Druze shares.