Lebanon 'close to forming government early in new year'

Following a lengthy meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri says the two sides are “determined” to form a new government early in the new year as part of efforts to end an eight-month political stalemate.

Hariri, who was speaking at the presidential palace on Tuesday evening, said that a national unity government needed to be established in order to combat the country’s tough economic situation.

“We have fallen behind - we must form the government,” he said.

The prime minister-designate said only one issue remained in the process, and that the two officials were working to resolve it.

“The president and I are determined to meet again and end this issue, because the country cannot continue without a government,” he said, without offering any explanations surrounding the nature of that 'issue.'

Hariri called on all political factions to work towards reviving the process of cabinet formation.

Meanwhile, a senior official with Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement said Wednesday that he believed a solution to the stalemate was “very close.”

“We believe the solution is very close,” said Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, suggesting that it could happen in time to be considered “a holiday gift.”

“The intentions held by everybody are positive and for the benefit of the country,” he added.

Lebanon’s first parliamentary vote in nine years was held in May last year but lawmakers have since failed to form a government.

Hezbollah and its political allies secured over half of the seats.

SS