Lebanon First bloc MP Okab Sakr said in a Sunday interview on New TV that Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri will not step down from his post, explaining, “The final decision pertaining to the cabinet formation has not been taken yet, but there is progress in the ongoing deliberations.”

He also said that Hariri "did not even inform his closest associates" of the outcome of his meeting with Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun on Saturday and that the new government will be formed after the next meeting between the two leaders.

Sakr added that Hariri offered Aoun several "baskets" to choose from, in reference to the proposals for distributions of portfolios, stressing that “leaked reports are inaccurate.”

According to him, Hariri requested the telecommunications ministry in order to implement his "strategic and economic plans."

Sakr praised Marada Movement leader MP Sleiman Franjieh's settlement for a state ministry, saying the concession “serves the national interest and safeguards the country.”

He quoted Hariri as saying that all parties, in particular the Christians, should be granted their rightful share in the new cabinet.

Sakr said that there is no problem with the Ministerial Statement, saying that it is "almost" laid down.

-NOW Lebanon