Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIRUT1206
2009-11-06 15:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beirut
Cable title:
ANOTHER WAVE OF OPTIMISM ON CABINET FORMATION
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIRUT 001206
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/05/2019
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PINS LE SY
SUBJECT: ANOTHER WAVE OF OPTIMISM ON CABINET FORMATION
Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIRUT 001206
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/05/2019
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PINS LE SY
SUBJECT: ANOTHER WAVE OF OPTIMISM ON CABINET FORMATION
Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) In the wake of a flurry of activity, including a visit
by caretaker Telecommunications Minister Gebran Bassil to
Damascus, the Lebanese political class seems convinced once
again that a new cabinet will be formed in the next few days.
Nader Hariri, advisor to Prime Minister-designate Saad
Hariri, told us the morning of November 6 that although
Change and Reform bloc head Michel Aoun had not yet replied
formally, sources in the opposition reported that he would
accept Hariri's latest offer. According to Nader, the offer
consisted of the telecoms ministry (without Bassil as
minister),the energy ministry (with Bassil as minister),the
industry ministry, the tourism ministry, and one minister
without portfolio. MP Alain Aoun told us shortly afterward
that his uncle Michel Aoun had accepted Hariri's proposal.
Nader emphasized that -- aside from receiving Aoun's official
notification -- the PM-designate still needed to obtain the
names of the ministers that each party would like to
designate, and to consult with his allies before presenting
his cabinet line-up to President Michel Sleiman.
2. (U) According to article 64 of the Lebanese constitution,
Hariri and his new cabinet would assume caretaker status as
soon as Hariri and President Sleiman jointly sign the decree
approving its formation. The cabinet would then be allotted
30 days to develop a ministerial statement and obtain
parliamentary approval for it. The cabinet would attain full
governing status with the parliamentary vote approving the
statement.
SISON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/05/2019
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PINS LE SY
SUBJECT: ANOTHER WAVE OF OPTIMISM ON CABINET FORMATION
Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) In the wake of a flurry of activity, including a visit
by caretaker Telecommunications Minister Gebran Bassil to
Damascus, the Lebanese political class seems convinced once
again that a new cabinet will be formed in the next few days.
Nader Hariri, advisor to Prime Minister-designate Saad
Hariri, told us the morning of November 6 that although
Change and Reform bloc head Michel Aoun had not yet replied
formally, sources in the opposition reported that he would
accept Hariri's latest offer. According to Nader, the offer
consisted of the telecoms ministry (without Bassil as
minister),the energy ministry (with Bassil as minister),the
industry ministry, the tourism ministry, and one minister
without portfolio. MP Alain Aoun told us shortly afterward
that his uncle Michel Aoun had accepted Hariri's proposal.
Nader emphasized that -- aside from receiving Aoun's official
notification -- the PM-designate still needed to obtain the
names of the ministers that each party would like to
designate, and to consult with his allies before presenting
his cabinet line-up to President Michel Sleiman.
2. (U) According to article 64 of the Lebanese constitution,
Hariri and his new cabinet would assume caretaker status as
soon as Hariri and President Sleiman jointly sign the decree
approving its formation. The cabinet would then be allotted
30 days to develop a ministerial statement and obtain
parliamentary approval for it. The cabinet would attain full
governing status with the parliamentary vote approving the
statement.
SISON