Hariri and Nasrallah meet to forge unity ahead of cabinet selection

Jun 26, 2009, 10:06 GMT

Beirut - The leader of the Lebanon's Western-backed ruling majority, Saad Hariri met overnight with Hezbollah Chief Shiekh Hassan Nasrallah, in a move aimed at enhancing unity in the country, the Hezbollah-run al-Manar television said Friday

A source close to Hariri told the German Press Agency dpa, that the meeting lasted four hours, during which Nasrallah and Hariri discussed the formation of the next cabinet and the political situation following the June 7th parliamentary elections.

Hariri's coaltion won 71 seats in the 128-member parliament election in June, while the opposition-led by Hezbollah gathered 57.

'They emphasized the importance of following up on dialogue and praised all political parties' efforts to reduce tensions,' the source said.

This is the second meeting between Nasrallah and a key member of the Western-backed ruling majority this month. On June 18th, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt met with the Hezbollah chief, after which both men stressed the importance of forging a 'comprehensive reconciliation.'

On May 7 2008, the political crisis between the majority and the Hezbollah-led opposition reached a breaking point, when Hezbollah and its allies briefly took control of the predominantly Sunni Muslim half of Beirut, sparking fighting with followers of rival leaders, including Hariri's.

Observers believe that the meeting between Hariri and Nasrallah will have 'a positive impact' on the parliamentary consultations, which will start Friday afternoon between President Michel Suleiman and the parliamentary blocs to name a new premier for the country.

Hariri is expected to be named premier for the new unity cabinet which will include 30 ministers from the major electoral blocs.