Lebanese figures are still pushing for the formation of a cabinet, though some are starting to express doubt that any developments will take place soon.
“Chances of having a new government by the end of the month are virtually gone. Chances are receding day after day."
“Thereafter, the only talk, starting the beginning of the new year, will be presidential elections,” Berri told a Lebanese daily.
Prime Minister designate Tamam Salam, son of former PM Saeb, said that Lebanon will slip into further paralysis should a new cabinet not be formed before Presidential elections planned to take place in 2014.
“The deadlines are pressing and they are intertwining with the deadline of the presidential elections.”
“The more we approach the elections, the more there will be … paralysis,” he said.
Salam was asked to form a new government in April by President Michel Sleiman after the previous PM Najib Mikati, now presiding over a caretaker government, resigned. Lebanese parliament also extended its mandate earlier this year, as well as that of the Army chief, though parliament has yet to meet since its self-approved extension.
[Naharnet]
