The Arab media is agog with speculations over a second round of talks taking place in Doha to resolve the issue of government formation in Beirut. Qatar had successfully intervened earlier and aided in efforts which eventually led to the appointment of a president in Lebanon. The issue of government formation in Beirut came up during talks between Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani and the French president recently. The Premier suggested Doha could intervene again to solve the crisis. Later, Saad Al Hariri, the majority leader met the French president.
Hariri stepped down as prime minister of Lebanon recently after taking over office following his party’s victory in the recently held parliamentary polls. Hariri is expected to be reappointed with at least 71 out of a possible 128 votes in parliament, but little progress has been made in talks which began yesterday at President Michel Sleiman’s residence to resolve the issue.
