In the latest attempt to reach a breakthrough in the Cabinet formation process that has now extended to five months, Prime minister-designate Saad Hariri confirmed on Saturday that the cabinet will be formed in the coming days.

Hariri announcement followed his meeting with parliamentary speaker Shiite leader Nabih Berri.

Caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hasan Khalil, Berri’s top political aide, also reportedly attended the meeting.

The prime minister said: “We want a national reconciliation government to face the challenges, the meeting with Berri was positive.”

He added that he will be working very hard to have a positive breakthrough by early next week.

Lebanese media outlets reported that the new government is expected before the second anniversary of President Michel Aoun’s election on October 31.

Al Arabiya English