Tuweini to Saniora: "It’s More Honorable to Step Back"

Source: Al-Manar TV, 20-06-2008

"It would be nobler for PM Designate Fouad Saniora to step back if he fails to form the government before next Tuesday," said loyalty MP Ghassan Tuweini Thursday, after meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Tuweini's statement, three weeks after nominating Saniora to form the national-unity government, reflected the necessity to set the cabinet as soon as possible in order to safeguard the country from eventual dangers.

"Saniora is trying to establish the cabinet using the residues of the previous reign, he can't form a new government with this strategy," Tuweini noted, adding that Saniora has to be convinced that he cannot form the government amid such barricades."

"Since day one of the consultations, I called on Saniora not to participate in this government," Tuweini revealed, wondering whether "we were establishing ministerial portfolios federalism...Each wants to get a portfolio and take it home with him!"

Tuweini slammed the so-called basic portfolios as a heresy, saying that he has searched for it in constitution and legal references but didn't find any mention of such portfolios.