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Billionaire Hariri tipped as Lebanon's next PM
 Saad Hariri, the billionaire businessman and son of the slain former Lebanese prime minister, is emerging as the favourite to lead Lebanon's government after his pro-Western coalition fended off a serious challenge from Hezbollah in weekend elections.Legislative allies on Tuesday said Hariri, a 39-year-old moderate Muslim and leader of the largest parliamentary bloc in the winning coalition, is expected to replace his ally Fuad Saniora. Hariri's alliance dealt a major setback to Hezbollah in Sunday's vote, gaining 68 seats to the opposing group's 57. Hezbollah's loss removed one potential obstacle to Obama's renewed push for Mideast peace. The group fought a 2006 war against Israel and there were fears that if it gained more power, there could be another conflict. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in calm words on Monday, recognised the results and offered to cooperate with the winners. "A chance to build a strong and fair state still exists. All agree that there are crises facing us at all levels," he said. "We are in a new stage and in a new situation." In a victory speech on Monday, Hariri called on the Lebanese to close ranks. "We must extend a hand to each other, roll up our sleeves and work together for the benefit of Lebanon," he said. The makeup of the new parliament, almost identical to the outgoing one, means that many of the questions that have dogged the fractious nation, such as what to do with Hezbollah's arsenal, remain. And that could translate into renewed political deadlock in this sharply polarised, volatile nation. Posted by: Fred 2009-06-10 |
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