New cabinet could be imminent for Lebanon

Nawaf Salam, Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, is expected to announce the country’s new cabinet in the days ahead if the Lebanese Forces party’s calls for a sovereign portfolio is fulfilled, parliamentary sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat.

The fight over the Finance Ministry post has caused political friction in Lebanon, with the Lebanese Forces claiming they will boycott the government if Hezbollah and Amal name the minister alongside other important positions, Asharq Al-Awsat reported on February 3rd.

Speaker Nabih Berri, who leads the Amal movement, has stressed that lawmaker and former minister Yassin Jaber should be nominated for the post.

Jaber is reportedly set to head the Finance Ministry and former Ambassador Naji Abu Assi is likely to take up the role of foreign minister, unless a Maronite takes up the role to satisfy the Lebanese Forces, the sources said.

Asharq Al-Awsat