MP Michel Moussa, a member of Speaker Nabih Berri’s parliamentary bloc, told Asharq Al-Awsat on Thursday that the delay in Lebanon’s government formation is the result of bickering on shares and ministerial portfolios. “Lebanon is going through a very difficult phase. We will be unable to face the upcoming challenges without the presence of a government capable of steering the country clear of collapse,” Moussa warned. He said Berri might invite political parties for a consultations session to remove obstacles hindering the cabinet formation process. “The Lebanese economy would not survive in the absence of a government, which has a task to launch investment projects and create opportunities to increase growth and limit fiscal deficit in the state treasury,” he said. The deputy expressed regret that some “internal” obstacles were hindering the mission of PM-designate Saad Hariri. A number of Lebanese parties link the delay in government formation to “external” factors, including the military developments in southern Syria or the battle of Yemen’s Hodeidah. “Lebanon is always influenced by external factors, but the Lebanese should be aware about the importance of overcoming such factors to agree on a new government,” Moussa said. In light of reports about the possibility that President Michel Aoun would task another premier to form the cabinet, Moussa said: “I don’t believe that matters are heading towards constitutional conflicts because all parties already know what repercussions they would have on the country.” He said Berri is ready to intervene at any time to help remove obstacles hindering the government line-up. “The Speaker plans to invite political leaders to a dialogue session at the Parliament to discuss disputes and overcome obstacles to the cabinet formation,” he said.