Salim Sayegh , the Social Affairs Minister who represents the Phalange Party in the 12 member committee charged with writing the ministerial policy statement has stayed away from the first meeting and did not even participate yesterday in the photo opportunity of the cabinet.

In a statement issued later on Wednesday, the Phalange Party stressed that despite its “weak representation” in the new Cabinet, compared to its popular and parliamentary weight, recent attempts to exclude the party from-decision making on the national level would fail.

The Phalange Party wanted the ministry of Education but instead it was allocated the Social Affairs Ministry.

Following the party’s politburo meeting this afternoon , Phalange politburo member Sejaan Qazzi said the Phalange in its role in the new government would remain committed to meeting the social and economic needs of Lebanese people.

“The Phalange Party, despite demanding the Education portfolio as part of aspirations to abolish sectarianism in education programs, appreciates the importance of the Social Affairs Ministry which we hold and thus will work toward boosting the ministry’s role,” the statement added.

The party’s politburo also called for a leadership to work toward the implementation of future reforms with regard to flaws in the Taif Accord.

Earlier today , Labor Minister Butros Harb visited the Phalange party headquarter in Saifi and met with its leader former president Amin Gemayel . Following their meeting Harb stressed the importance of the Phalange Party’s participation in the Cabinet

“I believe in Gemayel’s wisdom and patriotism as he is assessing the situation rather than reacting spontaneously,” Harb said.

Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader MP Michel Aoun also stressed Wednesday the importance of the participation of the Phalange party and added : “No group was given what it hoped its share would be in the new cabinet,”