Shiite Duo Sees Imminent Cabinet Session ‘Only a Wish’ — Naharnet

“The Cabinet won’t convene anytime soon,” Shiite Duo sources said, adding that the statement Prime Minister Najib Miqati made from Baabda about an imminent Cabinet session is “only a wish.”

The Duo sources told Nidaa al-Watan newspaper, in remarks published Monday, that Miqati will not call for a Cabinet session without the Shiite approval, and “no consensus has been reached yet.”

“It is nothing more than wishes and a clear bet that the necessity of a session to discuss the state budget might secure the resumption of Cabinet sessions,” the sources reportedly said.

Amal and Hizbullah have not changed their stance on boycotting Cabinet until the conflict over Judge Tarek Bitar’s dismissal is resolved, according to the sources.

Miqati had affirmed a week ago, after meeting with President Michel Aoun, that “Cabinet will be asked to convene within two days.”

During the meeting, Aoun and Miqati had reportedly held a call with Speaker Nabih Berri to see if the Shiite Duo would attend the state budget session or not.