Hezbollah leader says cabinet formation ongoing, obstacles remain

BEIRUT, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said Friday that a progress regarding the cabinet formation in Lebanon is ongoing but a few obstacles still remain, local TV Channel Al Jadeed reported.

"There are still some problems related to the distribution of cabinet shares," said Nasrallah in a televised speech.

He denied allegations by some media outlets about Iran and Syria preventing government formation in Lebanon.

Cabinet formation has entered its fifth month of deadlock, with parties' disputing over key ministerial portfolios, particularly over the Druze representation.

However, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri announced Thursday that he is optimistic that the government will be formed before the end of this week.

Likewise, President Michel Aoun told reporters at Baabda Palace that "the government is just around the corner."