Lebanese president urges creation of govt in 48 hours

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanese President Michel Sleiman pressed on Sunday for the creation of a national unity cabinet within 48 hours after weeks of protracted negotiations between political rivals.

"All parties must cooperate immediately to enable the establishment of the government," Sleiman said, according to a statement from his office.

"Mr Sleiman stressed the importance of forming the government in 48 hours," the statement said, adding that there was "no reason to justify" the delay.

Prime Minister Fuad Siniora has been tasked with creating a unity government following a deal struck by rival factions in the Qatari capital Doha more than five weeks ago to end a crisis that brought Lebanon to the brink of civil war.

But the Western-backed parliamentary...