Lebanon’s Berri: 'Internal' Hurdles Are Obstructing Govt Formation

Arab World

February 2nd, 8:34am

Beirut - Asharq Al-Awsat

File photo. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during a visit to Lebanon's President (NNA)

Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri broke his silence Monday by indirectly holding President Michel Aoun responsible for the delay in forming a new government by demanding a blocking third. "Following the incidents in Tripoli and the statement of the spiritual leaders who called to rescue the country and the Lebanese starting with the formation of a government of specialists, we are keen to clarify to the public opinion that the obstacle to forming a government is not external but internal," Berri said in a statement. Within this context, he underlined that nobody was entitled to the "blocking third." The speaker stressed that he would not lose hope and that he would continue his government formation efforts. Aoun’s media office was quick to respond to Berri’s statements, denying the accusations. “Political and media sources insist on promoting that the President is demanding the “blocking third” in the upcoming government, which led to delaying its formation, despite the statements and stances which confirm the invalidity of such allegations, which were issued by the Presidential Palace on different dates, last of which was on the 22nd of last January.” The office also said that Aoun, who had never asked for the blocking third, is keen to exercise his constitutional rights in naming Ministers of the Government who are skilled and competent.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2780016/lebanon%E2%80%99s-berri-internal-hurdles-are-obstructing-govt-formation