Khazen

by aawsat.com — Lebanese lawmakers expressed on Saturday their conviction that a new government will not be formed any time soon given current obstacles. Strong Republic bloc MP Ziad al-Hawwat said that speeding up the formation of the cabinet was “more than necessary.” He stated that it was key to restarting work in Lebanon, adding that it sends a “positive” message to Lebanese expatriates and Arabs, which will consequently revive the economy during the summer season. Liberation and Development bloc MP Anwar al-Khalil underlined the need to form a national unity government that brings together all Lebanese parties and reflects the results of the May 6 parliamentary elections. He doubted that the cabinet would be formed soon, citing the “behavior of some politicians.” The lawmaker believed, however, that obstacles hindering the formation process will be resolved, “but this will take time.” The formation of the majority of Lebanese governments has been hindered by various obstacles over the years, Khalil noted. Baath party MP Qassem Hashem hoped that the formation would not take too long, “especially since the Lebanese are suffering from pressing economic and daily circumstances.” “Officials are, therefore, required to form a homogeneous and national unity government,” he added.