The formation of the new cabinet is unlikely to took place this week, paving the way for more consultations between the Prime Minister Designate Najib Miqati and political figures.

The formation of the new Lebanese cabinet is unlikely to took place this week, paving the way for more consultations between the Prime Minister Designate Najib Miqati and political figures.

Miqati on Monday visited President Michel Suleiman and discussed with him the government formation process.
The PM designate also met political figures including caretaker Energy Minister Gebran Bassil and political advisers to Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Speaker Nabih Berri, respectively.

CABINET FORMATION TO BE DALAYED
Both An-Nahar and As-Safir newspapers said, in their Tuesday’s edition, that the formation would be delayed. 
An-Nahar ruled out that the cabinet birth would be this week by saying: “According to sources who took part in these behind-the-scenes meetings, the cabinet is unlikely to be formed this week because consultations are making progress but they have yet to be fully developed.”

As-Safir said: “The formation may be delayed until the end of next week if solutions are thwarted, especially since President Suleiman is travelling to Rome Saturday to attend a church religious ceremony before visiting Kuwait.”

GENERAL AOUN’S SHARE IN THE CABINET
An-Nahar reported that the meeting between Miqati and Bassil touched on names and portfolios, while Al-Akhbar has learned that the two sides failed to achieve any progress during the meeting.

As-Safir said according to some observers, General Aoun will not object to keeping Minister Ziad Baroud in his current position as Interior minister if he is offered another key ministry, knowing that the most appropriate solution for him would be the finance portfolio.
The daily added that Sayyed Nasrallah’s political advisor Hussein Khalil has reportedly played a pivotal role over the past few hours with regard to removing obstacles. “Khalil thus communicated with General Michel Aoun before Bassil went to visit Miqati at the latter’s Verdun residence,” the daily said.

Al-Akhbar quoted sources as predicting that several parties will intervene to remove the obstacles impeding the formation of the cabinet.
“According to the sources, the proposals include reaching an agreement on a “consensus” figure to be appointed as minister of the Interior,” the daily said.

MIKATI’S CIRCLES
As-Safir quoted Miqati as saying that he didin’t not want numbers to be an issue, whether [the cabinet is formed of] 20, 24 or 30 ministers, since the most important thing wass to come up with a team that triggers a largely positive shock.

On the other hand, An-Nahar quoted circles close to Miqati as saying that some of the statements made at BIEL entail “positive indications that are in conformity with Miqati’s method and permanent convictions about dialogue, moderation and building on positive factors.”