Lebanon’s Hariri says seeks national unity government

The Lebanese prime minister-designate has announced plans to set up a national unity government quickly as a 29-month political stalemate in the Middle Eastern country comes to an end.

According to the reports, Saad Hariri made the remarks after being summoned by Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun to Baabda Palace in Beirut on Thursday and asked to form a new cabinet.

“I look forward to starting the consultations to form a national accord government that overcomes political divisions and is based on a consensus of all the political factions on the inaugural speech with all of its provisions,” Hariri said.

He also pledged to be open to all parliamentary blocs and expressed hope that the new administration will be able to address the socio-economic, security, political and environmental issues in the country.

Hariri further noted that one of the main tasks of his future unity government would be to agree on a “just” electoral law and hold parliamentary elections on time.

Hariri, a Western-backed Sunni politician, already served as the Lebanese premier for 14 months until early 2011.

Earlier on Thursday, Hariri garnered support from 112 out of 126 lawmakers to become the prime minister.

SS