Lebanon president sets 10-day deadline for unity government
Written by Najib

 

BEIRUT – Lebanese President Michel Suleiman on Friday said that the country’s political parties have ten days to reach a consensus on a unity cabinet, or he will move ahead with green-lighting a fait accompli cabinet. “If there is no agreement on an all-inclusive government within 10 days, there will be a new cabinet,” he said in reference to creating a neutral, fait accompli cabinet during an interview with LBC.

 

Suleiman also told the station that he "received positive indications from Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri to go ahead with the all-inclusive government based on the 8-8-8 [formula]."

 

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt and Speaker Nabih Berri have been leading efforts to broker a new government that gives eight ministers each to the March 8 and 14 alliances as well as centrists. [Link]