Sunday Times 2
Lebanon announces new govt after 10-month stalemate
View(s):BEIRUT, Feb 15 (AFP) – Lebanon today announced the formation of a compromise government after a 10-month political vacuum during which the war in neighbouring Syria exacerbated longstanding divisions.
The 24-member government unites the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah and its allies with the Sunni-led bloc of former prime minister Saad Hariri for the first time in three years.
“After 10 months of efforts, of patience, a government protecting the national interest is born,” said Tammam Salam, Lebanon’s new prime minister.
“It is a unifying government and the best formula to allow Lebanon to confront challenges,” said Salam, who was tasked with forming the government back in April 2013 after the resignation of his predecessor Najib Mikati.
Multiple attempts to resolve the government crisis stumbled over disagreements between the Hezbollah and Hariri blocs, which back opposing sides in the Syrian conflict.