Syria imposes cabinet on Lebanon's prime minister

NICOSIA — Syria has overcome the opposition of independent Lebanese politicians imposed a Cabinet on Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

The new Cabinet is marked by ministers who are regarded as strong supporters of Syria and the lack of Christian representation. The Christians were the strongest supporters of the end of the Syrian occupation in Lebanon.

The Cabinet must be approved for a vote of confidence this week.

Lebanese analysts criticized Hariri's Cabinet. They said the Cabinet excludes Christian movements, ignores the need for consensus and includes ministers under investigation for corruption.

"It is an imbalance which proves that the 'decision-makers' still do not have the will [for] national reconciliation," the French-language L’ Orient-Le Jour newspaper said.

The English-language Daily Star agreed. "Maybe someday Lebanon will choose its leaders independently of another country’s myopic appreciation of its own priorities, and perhaps both will be healthier for it," the newspaper said.

The analysts said Hariri's Cabinet appears to put an end to the anti-corruption campaign launched by President Emile Lahoud.