The opposition has slammed a new cabinet line-up proposed by Prime Minister-designate Fouad Saniora as a "trap."

The daily An Nahar on Friday, citing opposition sources, said the anti-government March 8 coalition has rejected two baskets of a government make-up proposed by Saniora.

The sources said they believed the cabinet deals offered by Saniora were designed as a "trap" to stir up a dispute between Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun.

Saniora has offered the opposition two baskets of the new government line-up.

The first consists of the ministries of finance, public works, education, tourism, environment, youth and sports, culture and displaced, while the second comprises the ministries of foreign affairs, energy, justice, economy, trade and commerce, agriculture, health and social affairs.

The opposition sources cited the finance ministry post in the first basket and the foreign ministry in the second as reasons to believe Saniora's offer was a trap.

Saniora has offered the opposition two baskets of the new government line-up.

The opposition sources cited the finance ministry post in the first basket and the foreign ministry in the second as reasons to believe Saniora's offer was a trap.

The sources argued that in the event the opposition accepted either deal, the opposition would be handed one sovereign ministry only, while it has demanded two key cabinet posts since Berri is clung to the foreign ministry and Aoun to the finance.

They said Berri discussed the issue with Saniora who visited him at his Ain el-Tineh residence Thursday evening.

An Nahar said representation of Aoun's bloc remains an obstacle to the formation of the new government.

It said neither opposition nor majority leaders seem to be interested in the finance or the energy portfolios "due to their complicated dossiers."

Sources from the majority March 14 alliance said the opposition rejects the energy portfolio and insists on getting the education or public works posts instead.

The sources said the opposition has "a lot to answer," particularly regarding former minister Talal Arslan and his share of the cabinet seats.