Four Cabinet ministers resigned Monday to protest the extension of President Emile Lahoud's term, part of a bruising political battle that divided allies and drew the attention of the U.N. Security Council. The ministers' resignations were not expected to bring down the 30-man government of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, although there has been talk of an upcoming reshuffle.
Lahoud convened an unscheduled meeting Monday evening with Hariri and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at the presidential palace to discuss the fate of the Cabinet. A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the men were discussing reassigning the portfolios of the resigning ministers. Following the 40-minute meeting, Hariri said the fate of the Cabinet will be decided after his Sept. 17 return from a trip abroad. Asked whether a full Cabinet reshuffle was possible soon, Hariri told reporters, ``It is not ruled out. After my return, this matter will be discussed.''
Jumblatt told reporters the decision to pull out his ministers conformed with his 14-member parliamentary bloc's decision to oppose the extension of Lahoud's term. Bweiz, who also opposed amending the constitution, said: ``It is illogical that I stay in government.'' |