Harb: Miqati Seeks Participation of All Powers in Cabinet, He Will Face Challenges from those Who Nominated him

Caretaker Labor Minister Butros Harb stated on Thursday that Prime Minister-designate Najib Miqati is attempting to allow the participation of all political powers in the new government, including the March 14 forces.

He told the Central News Agency that the March 14 camp may take part in Cabinet if Miqati respects the issue of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and Hizbullah’s arms possession, and if he ensures that the March 14 forces would be able to play an effective role in preventing decisions that would harm Lebanon.

“If these two factors are provided, then they won’t refuse to cooperate with Miqati,” he added.

Harb noted that the premier-designate will face major obstacles from those who nominated him.

Some of these hardships include the content of the ministerial statement and the March 8 camp’s position towards the STL, as well as the number of portfolios it wants to acquire, he said.

“The formation of the government will be complicated, especially if Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun maintains his position and demands,” the minister pointed out.