Lebanese president urges cabinet formation

Lebanese President Michel Aoun emphasized on Monday the need to urgently form a cabinet to deal with the current economic collapse in the country, said a statement by the president.

"We cannot bear the burden of more deterioration in the country and we are keen to ensure the success of the French initiative," Aoun said during his meeting with former prime minister Saad Hariri.

Hariri's visit to Aoun in Baabda Palace aimed at consulting with the president over Hariri's possible candidacy for the premiership and the formation of a new cabinet following parliamentary consultations to designate the new prime minister set for Thursday.

Hariri told Aoun he will be sending a delegation to discuss his candidacy with all parliamentary blocs to make sure that they are still committed to the French initiative.

"The French initiative is the only way to rescue Lebanon," Hariri said while adding that the new cabinet will be formed by specialists who do not belong to any political party.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)