New Lebanese PM begins round of government talks

PM Tammam Salam failed to reach an agreement with March 8 representatives New Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam has kickstarted a fresh round of talks to form a government. According to sources, Salam has taken the advice of President Michel Sleiman, calling for a neutral administration following consultations with political groups across the spectrum in Lebanon.
On Saturday afternoon the acting prime minister met with delegates from the Hezbollah-led March 8 group, talking with Health Minister Ali HAssan Khalil, Amal Movement and Energy Minister Gebran Bassil and Hezbollah aide Hussein Khalil.
Armenian Tashnaq Party MP Hagop Pakradounian and former El Marada Movement minister Yusuf Saada were also party to weekend negotiations.
“We discussed with him our point of view on the need for a cabinet of political figures that represent all parties and Salam informed us that he prefers a government of neutral” figures,” delegation sources told pan-Arab daily al-Hayat in remarks published on Sunday.
“So we didn't reach any agreement and decided to hold another meeting,” they said.
Lebanese Democratic Party MP Talal Arslan did not participate in the talks, claiming the meeting "did not represent the party and its viewpoint on the formation of the cabinet.”
“The formula is not ready yet,” he said.
Salam will continue to meet with political representatives for the next two days.