BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanon’s parliamentary majority leader Saad al-Hariri was appointed prime minister-designate yesterday, pledging to seek a national unity government but warning that his task would be difficult.
President Michel Suleiman issued a presidential decree designating Sunni Muslim Hariri after 86 parliamentarians in the 128-seat assembly nominated him for the post.
Hariri said he would seek to form a unity government capable of facing the country’s many political, economic and social challenges.
“In line with our commitment during the election campaign in favour of a national unity government in which the main parliamentary blocs are represented… we will begin consultations with all parliamentary blocs…” Hariri said after receiving his designation decree from Suleiman.