Source: No progress on formation of new Lebanon government

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri speaks at a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon on 22 November 2017 [Lebanese Presidency/Anadolu Agency]

A source familiar with consultations to form a Lebanese government said recent talks “did not result” in finding a solution to the government formation crisis.

The source told the Anadolu Agency that the final obstacle is that Hezbollah insists that the six Sunni deputies who oppose the Future movement be represented through one cabinet seat.

The source pointed out that several proposals were put forward in order to solve the Sunni representation issue including raising the number of cabinet seats from 30 to 36 ministers.

READ: Lebanon’s Berri says some parties do not want government formed

A parliamentary source in the Future Movement, led by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, told Anadolu that his political team adheres to its ministerial quota and will not give up one of its seats to the Sunni deputies aligned with Hezbollah.

The source stressed that Hariri is working with all parties to find a solution, but not at the expense of political imbalance in the country.

Lebanon has been unable to form a government since 23 May.

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