[Al Arabiya Latest] Saad Hariri was poised to be designated Lebanon's new prime minister after his March 14 party, which along with its allies holds the majority in parliament, picked him for the post on Friday, a day after Hariri held rare talks with his rival, leader of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah. "We have chosen as our candidate for the premiership the head of the Future Movement, Saad Hariri," party official and MP Samir el-Jisr told reporters after holding consultations with President Michel Suleiman.
Suleiman is expected to officially designate Hariri on Saturday.
The other parties that are part of Hariri's alliance are expected to voice their support for his nomination as premier during consultations due to be wrapped up on Saturday.
Hezbollah will continue cooperating with an "open mind" in the discussions on naming a new premier, the head of the group's parliamentary bloc Mohamed Raad said.