Aoun, Diab Thrash Out Cabinet Formation

In a meeting held at the Baabda Palace, Diab conveyed to Aoun his intention to form a small-scale government made up of independent specialists who do not belong to political parties.

The two key officials conferred about major ministerial portfolios and merger of some ministries together since the suggested Cabinet will be formed of 18 ministers.

Sources told Annahar newspaper that the Ministry of Information will be merged with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Trade with the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment with the Ministry of the Displaced.

According to al-Joumhouria newspaper, talks emerged of an incomplete preliminary draft for the new Cabinet which mostly appear to be a replica of the previous government with no representation for the popular movement in it.