BEIRUT — The Hezbollah parliamentary group called for "cooperation" on Monday after non-binding parliamentary consultations to form a new government in Lebanon.
Here’s what we know:
• The group criticized, without naming them, the parties that want to boycott the new cabinet of Najib Mikati. The Lebanese Forces, the Progressive Socialist Party and several opposition group MPs have said they will not participate in the cabinet.
• "Resolving the crisis requires everyone's cooperation," said the leader of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary group, Mohamed Raad, after meeting with Mikati at the Parliament building.
• "We did not address the question of the formation of government but underlined the need for it to be active," he added.
• "Whoever wants to boycott the government is free to do so," said Raad, criticizing however "those who boycott the government and blame it" on other parties.
• Mikati began Monday, shortly after 1:30 p.m. to receive the various parliamentary blocs and MPs.
• These consultations, preliminary to the negotiations for the formation of the cabinet will continue Tuesday.