Miqati government starts mission

The new Lebanese government chaired by Najib Miqati started its works officially after it held on Wednesday its first meeting. Its first priority is to arrange for a quick election and cooperate with the UN over the assassination of the former prime minister Rafic Hariri.

The meeting was held in the absence of Ghassan Salameh who said he was unable to take part in Miqati's government because of what was described "his university obligations in France." The mini government which includes 13 members was greatly welcomed by the international community which stressed the importance of the role it has to play at the current phase in order to get the country out of a political crisis that threatened its stability along two months period of time.

In the context of international reaction, Canada welcomed the Miqati government describing it as constituting an encouraging phase to ensure a fruitful climate in Lebanon. Washington had welcomed the new government and called it to work seriously to organize transparent parliamentary elections.