Lebanon govt adopts manifesto, paving way for confidence vote

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanon's national unity government on Monday adopted a manifesto that affirms the authority of the state over all matters, including the weaponry held by Hezbollah, a minister said.

"The document was approved unanimously," Information Minister Tareq Mitri said at the end of a cabinet meeting chaired by President Michel Sleiman.

Parliament would soon hold a vote of confidence so that the government can begin to function officially.

The new cabinet was formed on July 11, but negotiations on a manifesto were hampered by disputes on the key issue of the arms of Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite Muslim political movement and militia.

The Hezbollah-led opposition insisted on the "right to resist" Israel, while the ruling bloc, which is...