Prime Minister Nawaf Salam officially announced the formation of a new government for Lebanon on Saturday, naming 24 ministers to his cabinet, including five allied with the so-called "Shia duo" of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
"Reform is the only path to salvation, and the government will work to restore trust between the citizen and the state," Salam said during a short speech from Baabda Palace following the announcement. "The government will work in harmony among its members, and diversity will not be a source of disruption. I envision establishing a state of law and institutions, and we are laying the foundations for reform and rescue. No government formation will satisfy everyone, but we will work in unity," the premier added.
Salam also stressed his government would “complete the implementation of [UNSC] Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement” with Israel, stressing that Israeli occupation troops must “withdraw to the last inch of Lebanese territory.”
Lebanese officials revealed that the first Cabinet session will be held on Tuesday at Baabda Palace, following the official group photo. The successful formation of Salam's government comes one day after US special envoy to West Asia Morgan Ortagus declared during a news conference that Hezbollah would not be a part of the Lebanese government and that its “reign of terror” was “over.”
Despite Washington's interventionist statements, the country's new cabinet is split evenly between Christian and Muslim sects, including five ministries headed by allies of Hezbollah and Amal.
According to local reports, these are: Minister of Interior Ahmad Hajjar; Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber; Minister of Health Rakan Nasereddine; Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar; and Minister of the Displaced Kamal Chehade.
“After all the threats and arrogance, the [Shia duo] entered the government in full partnership. Not a single name has changed after Ortagus's words, and the duo ultimately approved the appointment of the fifth minister,” Lebanese journalist Hosam Matar said via social media, referring to a reported dispute between Salam and the Shia parties over their representation in government.
"Lebanon announces the birth of a new 24-Ministers government and did not exclude Hezbollah." - Elijah Magnier
2 comments:
It gives me great pleasure to say when Jesus Christ returns he will then sweep this Middle East trash out of the universe. A standing ovation from all of us who believe in Christ.
Jesus died for the people in the Middle East as well. We must remember to pray for them.
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