For the first time since 1975, Lebanon has an
anti-Syrian prime minister.
Lebanon's parliament selected former Finance Minister Fouad Siniora as
prime minister. Siniora was nominated by the political party headed by the son
of assassinated Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Middle East Newsline reported. He will head the first
government in 30 years that does not face the Syrian
military occupation of Lebanon.
President Emile Lahoud, a long-time Syrian ally, was said to have poor
relations with Siniora. But under law Lahoud named Siniora, 62, prime
minister-designate.
"It is not the time for political divisions," Siniora said. "We extend a
hand to everyone to go forward on a program of global reforms."
Siniora's candidacy was promoted by Saad Hariri, head of the Future Bloc
and who entered politics after the killing of his father in February 2005.
The bloc won a majority of parliament and has formed a government without
the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah.
"Lebanon has paid dearly to win its freedom and build a democratic and
sovereign state," Siniora said. "It is a battle we all face. We can only
make up for lost opportunities if all Lebanese are in solidarity."
Lebanese parties appear divided over whether to disarm Hizbullah. On
Thursday, Israeli fighter-jets dropped leaflets that warned against
Hizbullah attacks.
"Such irresponsible acts could bring destruction and take Lebanon back
to the years of horror," the leaflets said.
UN envoy Geir Pedersen called on the Beirut government to extend its
control over all of Lebanon and end attacks from its territory. Pedersen
urged Israel's air force to refrain from entering Lebanese air space.
