Opposition seeks role in Lebanese Cabinet

BEIRUT, Lebanon, July 14 (UPI) -- The Hezbollah-led opposition movement in Lebanon demands a true partnership with the next government or it will walk away, political advisers say.

The Western-backed March 14 slate secured a victory over its opposition March 8 rivals in the June 7 parliamentary elections in Lebanon. Saad Hariri, the head of March 14 and son of slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, is tasked with forming the next Lebanese Cabinet as prime minister.

Analysts had expressed concern Lebanon would have a difficult time forming a unity government regardless of the victor. Despite pledges of haste by Hariri and his supporters, opposition leaders complain of marginalization.

Hussein Khalil, the political adviser to Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, says he sees no breakthroughs in his calls for a "true partnership" in the next government with "proportional representation."

He warns the opposition movement seeks "real and effective participation" in the next government or it will abstain if not given a significant number of seats, Hezbollah's al-Manar news network reports.

"The two options determine the path of our deliberations with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri," he says.