Arab states have been slow in voicing their support to Lebanon’s new government, which was announced last week following a nine-month deadlock, over fears Hezbollah would control its decision-making.
“They need to make sure Hezbollah does not control the cabinet and that (Prime Minister Saad) Hariri has a will to achieve a balance inside the government to confront the resistance axis, which claims placing its hands on strategic decisions,” the sources said.
The international community believes that a government in Lebanon is a must to address the country’s economic and social problems.
However, Lebanon should take concrete steps to place the country on the right track and allow the cabinet to benefit from the funds pledged at the Cedre conference in Paris last April.
In other terms, Arab and western states would now offer Hariri’s government a grace period to salvage the country and the term of President Michel Aoun.
Therefore, the international community decided to delay its judgement on the intentions of the new cabinet.
In this regard, the sources said Paris welcomed the new government as part of its belief that having a cabinet is better than a political void. “France is still waiting to see what achievements the cabinet would make,” the sources said.
Asharq Al-Awsat learned from European sources that the expected official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Beirut was delayed to the second half of 2019.
Also, Washington was keen to send a message to concerned parties when it linked welcoming the new government to a state of cautiousness.
The US embassy in Beirut welcomed the formation of the new government, but hoped it will uphold its commitments to international resolutions and meet the aspirations and needs of the Lebanese people.
