Minister Al-Sahili foresees widespread problems if government is not formed

Source: nowlebanon.com, 24-06-2008

Minister Talal Al-Sahili of the Development and Liberation bloc said that the delay in establishing the government "will lead to a lack of balance and to a dangerous situation similar to how it is now in some regions."

"The commissioned prime minister must not spare any efforts and must consult with all parties so that they can establish the cabinet. The president also has the right to give his opinion on every issue," Sahili told the Voice of Lebanon radio station.

He also noted that Speaker Nabih Berri has made several suggestions on ways to reduce the political tension. "But it requires the cooperation of all parties," he said.

Commenting on Hizbullah MP Hassan Fadlallah's suggestion to give MP Michel Aoun the deputy PM and Telecommunications Ministry portfolios, Sahili said that the problem facing the government's formation is not about distributing ministerial posts.

"Speaker Berri said that all the ministries are sovereign. Even a minister without a portfolio can have a say in all matters because now the decisions come from the cabinet," Sahili said.

He also said there have been efforts made to embarrass some factions in order to drive them away. "This requires that the commissioned PM take into consideration the stances of major parliamentary blocs."