Health Minister says no restrictions on successor nominations

Source: nowlebanon.com, 19-06-2008

Minister of Health Mohammed Jawad Khalifeh underlined the need to form the national unity government as soon as possible.

After meeting with Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun in Rabieh, Khalifeh noting that "the Lebanese formula" was based on "sectarian balance."

"When the government was composed on the principle of sectarian, there were problems. In addition to that, today there are more complications, but it is necessary to emerge from the crisis," he stated.

On whether Speaker Berri and his Amal Movement had insisted on taking over the Ministry of Health, Khalifeh said there was no disagreement on the ministry.

"No ministries are restricted for or against anyone," he said. "But there is also the technical aspect. Ministers have obligations to citizens regardless of their affiliations."