Lebanon's PM-designate Saad Hariri on Thursday announced he was quitting his task to form a new government. Hariri has made the remark following a meeting with President Michel and Suleiman in Beiteddine.
"Given that my commitment to forming a government of national unity has run up against difficulties that everyone now knows about, I announce that I have informed the president of the republic that I have abandoned trying to form a government," he said. "I hope that this decision will be in the interests of Lebanon and will permit a relaunch of dialogue," Hariri said.
The announcement comes after 73 days of fruitless efforts to form a government following the June 7 elections.
"When it comes to principles I am very stubborn and will never ignore political issues related to Lebanon's independence and stability," Hariri said on Wednesday as his spoke about his talks with the opposition on forming a unity cabinet.
The Beirut-based An-Nahar newspaper said Thursday that the major obstacle preventing a Cabinet deal is the telecommunication ministry issue and the Free Patriotic Movement's demand of the reappointment of Jebran Bassil in the same post.
Hariri on Monday introduced a Cabinet lineup for Suleiman's approval. The proposal, however, was quickly rejected by the Hizbullah-led Opposition.
© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
