Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri resumed his efforts to form the new government following his return from Saudi Arabia where he spent Eid al-Fitr. Several meetings he held after the holidays led to the elimination of most obstacles hindering the cabinet’s birth. On Friday, Hariri informed President Michel Aoun about the results of his meetings with most political parties, predicting a swift government formation. Sources close to Hariri told Asharq Al-Awsat that a primary proposal on the cabinet lineup was almost completed after the PM-designate was able to find solutions to several obstacles. “Most importantly, no more vetoes are placed by any political party against the other or restrictions regarding granting a certain portfolio to any side,” the sources said. They added that the “obstacle to the three Druze portfolios is being treated through several exits that can satisfy Walid Beik (Jumblat) and his Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc.” According to the same sources, Hariri’s cabinet formation process has reached the phase of political parties naming their candidates for their proposed portfolios. During their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Baabda on Friday, Aoun and Hariri discussed contacts made by the PM-designate with the concerned parties on the formation of the new government, as well as the stances of the political factions regarding the matter. Hariri described the meeting as very positive, saying it touched on the level of representation of the main political parties in the cabinet. Hariri added that he would continue consultations with the various political factions, expressing optimism and hoping that an agreement will be reached shortly.