[Published: Tuesday November 10 2009]
Lebanon finally forms government
Beirut, 10 Nov-(ANA)-Lebanon's prime minister-designate Saad Hariri has formed a new 30-member unity government, ending five months of deadlock since the general election.
Fifteen ministers are from Mr Hariri's majority coalition, while five were nominated by President Michel Suleiman.
The remaining 10 ministers are from the opposition, including two members of the Islamist group Hezbollah, which struck a deal with Mr Hariri last week.
The deadlock over the new government had threatened Lebanon's stability.
"Finally, a government of national unity is born," Mr Hariri said, adding that it "opened a new page that we hope will be one of agreement and co-operation".
But the Western-backed leader also sounded a cautious note.
"This cabinet will either be a chance for Lebanon to renew trust in its institutions, or it will be a stage where the Lebanese will repeat their failure in achieving agreement," he said.
Mr Hariri, 39, spent more than four months agreeing the assignment of portfolios with the opposition groups in the unity government. (ANA)
FA/ANA/10 November 2009---
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