Ziad Baroud Says He Doesn’t Want To Join Next Cabinet

Baroud:

Since the resignation of the government three months ago, I asked the president to relieve me from any ministerial duties whether in the interior (ministry) or any other (portfolio) […] I’m not part of any stumbling blocks related to the (formation of a new) government.”

Ah, but why did he announce this now? Why not weeks before? Hasn’t he, like everyone else read in the newspaper the speculation that he’s the major source of contention between the President and M.P. Aoun?

It could be that Minster Baroud decided to sacrifice himself, or that the President has conceded to Aoun and pulled him out (perhaps for a potential future comeback?). But in either case, the ball is now in Mr. Aoun’s court..

Update: we’re getting mixed signals from today’s newspapers. Apparently, both Addiyar and Almustaqbal are reporting that the president is insisting on Baroud.