Despite optimism over a possible forthcoming breakthrough after Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri relaunched earlier this week his efforts for a solution to the government crisis, observers believe that new obstacles could hinder his mission.
Hariri’s last round of talks had almost solved the obstacle on the representation of the Hezbollah-led March 8 alliance’s six Sunni deputies.
However, there are signs that some blocs could demand exchanging portfolios, a move that could bring back the negotiations to square one.
“Hariri continues his contacts with all parties. If intentions are good, a government could see the light soon,” sources close to the PM told Asharq Al-Awsat.
They said the new round of talks showed that all parties want a new government, given the dire economic situation in the country and the deteriorating state of public institutions.
Commenting on the March 8 Sunni obstacle, the sources said the problem of the representation of the six deputies from the Consultative Gathering is almost solved as concerned parties agreed that the minister who will represent the bloc would not vote against decisions made by the team of President Michel Aoun during cabinet sessions.
At the same time, this minister could attend the meetings of the Consultative Gathering and express his stance during cabinet sessions, the sources explained.
“Such formula received the consent of all parties … A cabinet lineup should be ready by mid or end of next week,” the sources said.
They said Hassan Murad, Tah Naji or Othman al-Majzhoub would be representing the six Sunni deputies in the new government.
