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CABINET FORMATION

Qassem says Syrian refugees should repatriate, legislators should cooperate with cabinet formation

Qassem says Syrian refugees should repatriate, legislators should cooperate with cabinet formation

Qassim during his spech in Maaroub, Thursday. (Credit: Muntasser Abdallah)

BEIRUT — The Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem on Thursday accused blocs refusing to participate in government of obstructing cabinet formation, adding that “this is completely consistent with the American position, which is working to nullify any achievements during this period.”

Here’s what we know:

  • In a speech during a meeting in the Southern town of Maaroub Thursday, Qassem said that Hezbollah, among other groups, is willing to participate in government formation. He also accused some blocs of “waiting for the current presidential term to expire, because they do not want to deal with the current presidency, to the detriment of the Lebanese people.”

  • Qassem went on to say that forming a government now is better than not forming one, adding that “government formation is a fundamental and essential matter. Without a government, things can deteriorate more and more.”

  • In a statement released Thursday, the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc stressed “the need to form a government as soon as possible.” The bloc also said “the continued presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon without any justification in light of the improvement in the security situation in Syria and [Damascus’] readiness to receive its returning citizens” was an “increasing burden” upon Lebanese.

  • The bloc’s statement added that it has “prepared a number of legislative drafts … including a proposal for a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age and another to create a new portfolio, the ‘Ministry of Planning’.”

BEIRUT — The Deputy Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem on Thursday accused blocs refusing to participate in government of obstructing cabinet formation, adding that “this is completely consistent with the American position, which is working to nullify any achievements during this period.”Here’s what we know:  • In a speech during a meeting in the Southern town of...