Report: President Says He Made Enough Concessions for LF

Controversy over the allocation of the justice ministry for the Lebanese Forces continues, amid reports saying that President Michel Aoun believes he made many concessions in the LF’s interest when he conceded the position of deputy premier, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Monday.

Presidential Palace sources stressed on Monday that “there will be no turning back, the justice portfolio will be allocated for President Aoun,” the daily quoted the sources.

They assured saying the President would not mind allocating another portfolio for the LF, “we have given all we can and made enough concessions for the LF when we gave up the deputy premier post,” they said quoting the President.

A few days ago a breakthrough loomed regarding the government formation but a new obstacle linked to the justice portfolio soon emerged to dissipate all hopes.

The Lebanese Forces clings to the justice ministerial portfolio amid the rejection of the Free Patriotic Movement, which says it should be part of the President's share.

Moreover, the Progressive Socialist Party is insisting on keeping the education portfolio, rejecting that it be part of any bargaining.

The Marada Movement is meanwhile stressing that it should keep the public works portfolio.