Prime Minister Saad Hariri said on Thursday, after being appointed to form a new Cabinet by a large majority in Parliament (111 out of 128 votes), that he would work to quickly form a “national entente government adding that rotation in cabinet portfolios is required in order to overcome political sectarianism in the country.”
Shortly after his designation MPs Hariri tweeted: “I thank all fellow MPs who have given me their confidence in forming a new government, with hopes that we will do so as soon as possible for the benefit of Lebanon and the Lebanese.”
Named as prime minister for the third time, Hariri expressed hope of continuing what he helped start with the government. Furthermore, Hariri said after meeting with President Michel Aoun and Speaker of the house Nabih Berri, “The new government will need to consolidate its policy of dissociation and continue efforts to face the refugee crisis.”
He added, “we want a government that is based on national consensus with regards to broad headlines and even on certain details,and we are working in the same positive spirit as we did during the past year and a half, and I am sure we can accomplish a lot.”
After meeting with former Prime Ministers Salim Hoss, Najib Mikati, Fouad Siniora and Tammam Salam, Hariri pinned huge importance on working to boost Lebanon’s economy and providing employment opportunities for young Lebanese men and women, highlighting the importance of the Cedar Conference, “it is an historic opportunity that must be implemented,” stated Hariri.
