Marada Movement leader, MP Suleiman Franjieh dined the circulating rumors that he had discussed with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri “plans for Hariri to visit Damascus soon”.
Rumors has it that PM-designate Hariri, who met MP Franjieh on Wednesday discussed ways to get out of the political stalemate and are “planning to visit Damascus seeking help to make a Cabinet deal possible”.

According to As-Safir newspaper, sources near Hariri reported that both men discussed the latest developments on the cabinet formation. Moreover, the same sources said that a Cabinet lineup was still likely to be announced between end of the month and the first week of November; however, they ruled out a deal over portfolio rotation since this could have a negative effect on President Michel Suleiman's quota seats.

The daily also wrote that Hariri and Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun were supposed to meet on Wednesday, but had a phone conversation instead during which General Aoun asked Hariri whether he had any new proposals to discuss. Hariri, responded negatively prompting General Aoun to reply that there is no need for the PM-designate to send his envoy, Nader Hariri, to meet with him.

Nevertheless, the sources said that Hariri was open to negotiations in a bid to agree on alternatives that would "satisfy" General Aoun, excluding the Justice Ministry.
As-Safir concluded by reporting that efforts are now focused on "seeking and finding a face-saving solution" for all political parties involved in the Cabinet.