Report: LF, FPM Adamant on Govt. Positions

The Lebanese Forces said that consultations to solve the Cabinet formation delay are “almost blocked until the FPM chief seizes to annul others,” in light of the latter’s claims that “external interferences are hampering the line up,” al-Joumhouria daily reported on Saturday.

LF sources told the daily: “Government negotiation are almost halted until (Foreign) Minister Jebran Bassil (FPM chief) stops attempts to annul others.”

LF has made many “concessions,” they said, but “were surprised that others have no intention to ease the process.” They said Bassil has “rejected” a government format presented by PM-designate Saad Hariri to President Michel Aoun although it gained approval of Speaker Nabih Berri and Hariri.

They said the party will stick to its initial demands regarding number of portfolios, after the latest concessions they made were turned down.

On Wednesday, LF chief Samir Geagea said his party won’t accept less than 30 percent of the ministerial shares allocated for the Christian community, which “should be at least five ministers shall a 30-member Cabinet be formed.”

Meanwhile, FPM also stressed adherence to their positions saying “we won’t grant gifts to anyone at the expense of the Movement or the share of the President,” noting that Aoun “believes that external interferences are pressuring Hariri and obstructing the formation.”