Saniora Launches Fresh Initiative to End Political Impasse
In a front-page article, An Nahar headlined that Saniora’s announcement was made during talks with Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Khoja at the Grand Serail on Tuesday. The paper said Saniora’s proposal, which came following a meeting in Cairo with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Arab League chief Amr Moussa, aimed at ending the vicious circle over formation of a new government. Saniora said any exit to the ongoing crisis would be creation of a “national unity government based on political consensus … after that, there shall be no problem as to the number (of cabinet ministers) issue.” The pro-government camp has adamantly rejected the opposition demand which has been insisting on a 19 -11 formula that would give it veto power in a national unity cabinet. On the other hand, the Hizbullah-led opposition has bluntly snubbed the ruling majority demand for a 19 + 10 + 1 formula which would strip the anti-government camp of veto power. The 19 – 11 and the 19 + 10 + 1 are a reference to the number of ministers for each camp in a new cabinet. Saniora, however, said that his new initiative requires “agreement over the declarations that are built on commitment,” in reference to the Seven-Point cease-fire plan adopted by the government as a means to end the 34-day Israel-Hizbullah war last summer. He said a timetable was also required “to implement what has been agreed upon” during all-party national talks which first commenced in March 2006 and stopped when Israel launched its offensive on Lebanon last July. |
| Beirut, 25 Apr 07 |
