Lebanon president to appoint new PM

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman will appoint a prime minister tomorrow to head a new Cabinet that will be formed as part of an agreement to end 18 months of political conflict.

Suleiman, confirmed as head of state on Sunday by parliament, will consult lawmakers tomorrow on their choice for prime minister, a statement from the presidency said yesterday. He will then formally appoint the figure named by most MPs.

Agreeing on a government was one of the main demands by the opposition and it is now hoped that an accord after Qatari-mediated talks can bring an end to months of political stalement in Lebanon.