House Speaker Nabih Berri warned of a fait accompli government ahead of Wednesday's parliamentary session, noting that such step would "have negative repercussions on it and will end the possibility of reaching consensus over a new electoral law".

In remarks published by Assafir newspaper, Berri stressed that announcing a de facto government will brush aside any possible agreement as it would be considered a "provocative" act.

"The protocol and constitutional norms stipulate that I must head to the Baabda Palace to be informed about the cabinet formation... If it was adequate, I would voice agreement; if it was unsatisfying, then I would counsel against it and will let the parliament play its role in the matter", Berri stated.

Moreover, Berri praised Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, expressing hope that it would curb any "dramatic acts".

"Jumblat will not turn against his ties with me and vice versa", he stressed.

Concerning Wednesday's parliamentary session set to adopt a new electoral law, Berri said that he will exert efforts to press lawmakers to reach common ground over the new electoral law or the Orthodox Gathering proposal will be put up for a vote.

"The Orthodox draft-law will be the only proposal put up for a vote", he said, stating that " whoever challenges me will lose and those who agree with me will win".

In separate comments to Al Joumhouria daily, Berri reiterated criticism of "centrism",  lashing out at a suggestion that had been made to form a 24-member cabinet that would include 8 ministers affiliated with President Michel Suleiman.

"If it is required to have a centrist ministerial bloc of 8 ministers, then the president should have 2 ministers, the prime minister 2, Jumblat 3, and I would name the eighth minister", Berri said.