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Lebanon's New Cabinet Forms Panel to Draft Policy Statement
 Lebanon's new Cabinet prepared yesterday to seek Parliament approval, saying its priority is to arrange quick elections and to cooperate in a sensitive UN investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The 14-member Cabinet held its first meeting yesterday after it was formed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, ending a nearly two-month government crisis and opening the way for crucial Parliament elections. The elections are supposed to take place before Parliament's term ends May 31. The anti-Syrian opposition expects to win the vote and end the domination of pro-Damascus lawmakers. Mikati's government has to quickly push an election law through Parliament for the vote to be held on time. Information Minister Charles Rizk said the Cabinet's priority would be to "uncover the truth about Hariri's assassination in collaboration with an international investigation commission" and to prepare "as soon as possible, a new electoral law" — as well as work to revive Lebanon's economy, ailing after months of turmoil. Posted by: Fred 2005-04-20 |
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