Berri says the next two days are crucial for the government

Source: nowlebanon.com, 26-06-2008

Speaker Nabih Berri told the Lebanese daily An-Nahar that if the government is not established in the next two days, Lebanon will reach a dead end.

"The situation requires the establishment of the government as soon as possible to face the challenges on all levels," Berri told the paper.

"After an agreement was reached to not restrict any ministerial portfolios to any one sect, why is there still the delay in establishing the government?"

Berri also noted the need to form the cabinet because of the rise in the cost of living in Lebanon, a critical situation that needs to be officially dealt with.

On the other hand, Berri told the Lebanese daily As-Safir that he stressed during his meeting with PM Fouad Saniora the need to announce the formation of the government as soon as possible. He also said that he pressed on the PM and the March 14 coalition to try to reach an agreement with MP Michel Aoun.

He noted that he is constantly receiving suggestions on how to best allocate the ministries, "but so far, we haven't reached a solution."

According to An-Nahar, yesterday, PM Saniora's advisor, Mohammad Chatah, met with Aoun to discuss possible ministerial allocations. Although they did not come to any conclusions, the results were positive, the paper reported.

"The coming 48 hours will be crucial regarding the establishment of the government," Berri said, while confirming that the Shiaa sect will not represent any obstacles to progress.

"If the matter of the government is not resolved by the end of today, we will enter a negative phase," he said.

"We will not let Lebanon be ruined, and we are very dedicated to civil peace and national unity," he added.