Mikati: Birth of Government Not in the Coming 24 or 48 Hours

Premier-designate Najib Mikati said in an interview published Thursday by pan-Arab Al Hayat daily "The birth of the government is not in the coming 24 or 48 hours. We are also in contact with General Aoun, as we agreed on starting a new round of meetings as soon as he returns." 

He said consultations were ongoing with the various parliamentary blocs based on a government made up of 24 ministers, stressing that "contacts were not yet ripe." Yet, he did not rule out the possibility of a government formation before the end of this week or early next week if "crucial negotiations made it safely." 

Mikati also said the government was "not near-birth," uncovering that he favors a 24-strong Government. However, he said he would consider raising the number of ministers to 30 on condition the government includes qualified and new figures. 

"I do not mind raising the number (of ministers) providing this will produce a homogeneous and constructive government," Miqati stressed, adding that he would not like to see provocative faces.
Concerning the meeting to take place today, Thursday in Dar Al Fatwa, Mikati said he remained in contact with Grand Mufti Qabani on Wednesday in order to find common factors.