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Lebanon announces unity government with Hezbollah members - Times Online
Five months after elections that were touted as a rare example of Middle Eastern democracy, Lebanese politicians have announced a national unity Cabinet with a strong opposition presence led by Hezbollah.
The Prime Minister, Saad Hariri,said on Monday: Finally, the national unity Cabinet is born. In June he led a pro-Western coalition to election victory, but the parties have since been locked in stalemate over forming a government.
The compromise line-up offers an effective power of veto to the opposition, which is led by the militant Islamist group Hezbollah considered a terrorist organisation by countries including the US.
The presence of ten opposition ministers in a 30-strong Cabinet has raised concerns in Israel about the growing influence of Hezbollah. There was speculation that the Iranian-backed party could affect Lebanese policy if talks between Tehran and the West broke down
Five months after elections that were touted as a rare example of Middle Eastern democracy, Lebanese politicians have announced a national unity Cabinet with a strong opposition presence led by Hezbollah.
The Prime Minister, Saad Hariri,said on Monday: Finally, the national unity Cabinet is born. In June he led a pro-Western coalition to election victory, but the parties have since been locked in stalemate over forming a government.
The compromise line-up offers an effective power of veto to the opposition, which is led by the militant Islamist group Hezbollah considered a terrorist organisation by countries including the US.
The presence of ten opposition ministers in a 30-strong Cabinet has raised concerns in Israel about the growing influence of Hezbollah. There was speculation that the Iranian-backed party could affect Lebanese policy if talks between Tehran and the West broke down