Lebanon could announce new cabinet in coming days

Lebanon could announce new cabinet in coming days

Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam is expected to announce a new cabinet in the coming days, provided the Lebanese Forces (LF) party’s demands for a “sovereign” portfolio are met, parliamentary sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

According to the sources, Salam and President Michel Aoun will not disclose the cabinet lineup until they clarify their position on the LF’s demand for the Foreign Ministry portfolio, Asharq Al-Awsat reported February 3rd.

A dispute over the Finance Ministry has heightened political tensions, with the LF threatening to boycott the government if Hezbollah and Amal appoint the minister for that post and other key positions.

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Washington is also pressuring senior Lebanese officials to prevent Hezbollah or its allies from nominating Lebanon’s next finance minister, according to five sources familiar with the matter, The New Arab via Reuters reported on January 31st. Michael Young at the Carnegie Middle East Center, said the US considers the finance ministry role a “red line” due to its control over Lebanon’s public expenditure.

Speaker Nabih Berri, who leads the Amal movement, has insisted on nominating former minister Yassin Jaber for the role. Jaber is expected to take charge of the Finance Ministry, while former Ambassador Naji Abu Assi will likely be appointed Foreign Minister. This is unless a Maronite candidate is appointed as Foreign Minister to satisfy the LF, the sources added.

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Retired Brig. Gen. from the Internal Security Forces Ahmed al-Hajjar is likely to be appointed to the Interior Ministry portfolio, while the Defense Ministry is expected to go to retired Army Maj. Gen. Michel Mnassa.

Salam, who was nominated on January 13th to form Lebanon’s new government, has spent the last three weeks consulting with political parties to finalise a cabinet lineup. Governmental posts are distributed based on sectarian and political considerations.

Asharq Al-Awsat, The New Arab via Reuters

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