 Pro-Syrian Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has named former government minister Najib Mikati as prime minister-designate. Mikati, also pro-Syrian, has garnered the support of the anti-Syrian Lebanese opposition by vowing to fire the nation's security chiefs in the wake of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination.
| Wonder if that includes Franjieh? |
He promised to act in a fair and transparent manner during the process of forming a new government and called the opposition's backing of him a "wise decision."
| ... but only until the elections are held. |
"We should take advantage of this opportune moment and deal seriously our difficult times," Mikati told reporters shortly after his appointment was made public. It comes two days after Omar Karami, also pro-Syrian, turned in his resignation as prime minister when he failed to form a new government. |