Lebanon expected to announce unity cabinet in 48 hours (Roundup)

Nov 7, 2009, 15:28 GMT

Beirut - Lebanon's prime minister-designate Saad Hariri was gearing up Saturday to announce the long-awaited national unity cabinet within 48 hours, according to official sources.

The sources told the German Press Agency dpa Saturday that rival political faction have reached an agreement on the line-up of the new government.

A high-ranking source in the Western-backed ruling majority told dpa: 'An agreement was reached, but we are still waiting for the proposed names from the opposition on who would fill each portfolio in the new cabinet.'

'Once we have all the names, the cabinet will be announced,' the source said.

A statement by Hezbollah confirmed that the opposition leaders have agreed to form a national government in line with the outcome of negotiations held by Hariri.

Hezbollah expressed hope that such a step will benefit Lebanon.

This development indicates the opposition agrees with Hariri's proposed distribution of portfolios among the parties, and the cabinet formation based on a 15-10-5 formula - granting the majority 15 ministers, the opposition 10 and the president five.

Hariri's government-lineup proposal reportedly gives the Christian hardline leader Michel Aoun, who is a member of the opposition, the telecommunications, tourism and industry portfolios, as well as a state ministry and the energy ministry.

As for the foreign affairs, health and youth and sports ministries, they would be given to House speaker Nabih Berri, who is close to the opposition.

Hezbollah's ministerial share would include be the portfolios of agriculture and administrative development. The remaining 20 seats are to be divided between the majority and President Michel Suleiman.

Hariri has been struggling sine June to form a national unity that include all Lebanese rivals.

Hariri was appointed with forming a government after his Western- backed coalition won a June 7 general election.

But he has failed to set-up the government because the opposition led by Hezbollah has been opposing his line-up.

The delay in forming the Lebanese government had voiced concerns among the western countries of fear that this deadlock will lead to violence in the streets.

A political crisis in 2006 led to street clashes between the opposition and the majority on May 7, 2008. The clashes resulted in killing more than 100 people.