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New Lebanon PM, Lawmakers Discuss Road Ahead

Associated Press

   BEIRUT - Lebanon's new prime ministerconsultedSaturday
   withparliamentary blocs, discussingthe shape of the future
   government,and said afterward that legislators all had one concern:to
   get the country out of its ``strangling`` economic crisis.

   Hassan Diab, a university professor and former education minister, will
   have to steer Lebanon out of its worst economic and financial crisis in
   decades. He's also taking office against the backdrop of
   nationwideprotests againstthe country's ruling elite.

   ``Lebanon is in the intensive care unit and needs efforts'' by all
   sides, from political groups to protesters, Diab said.

   Consultations began a day after scuffles broke out in Beirut and other
   areas between supporters of outgoingPrimeMinister Saad Hariri and
   Lebanese troops and riot police. The ex-premier's supporters were
   protesting Diab's nomination. At least seven soldiers were injured.

   Urgency

   Diab told reporters later that all members ofParliamentencouraged him
   to form acabinet ``as soon as possible.`` Cabinets usually take months
   to form in Lebanon because of bargainingamongrival groups.

   Diab said he hopedto form a government of about 20 ministers made up of
   independents and technocrats within few weeks. ``It's time to work and
   we ask God to make us successful,''he said.

   He added that the situation in Lebanon couldnot stand any delays amid
   its worst economic and financial crisis since the end of the 1975-90
   civil war.

   Lebanese banks have imposed unprecedented capital controls in recent
   weeks. Thousands have lost their jobs and the economy is expected to
   contract in 2020.

   Diab began his meetings Saturday atParliament with Speaker NabihBerri,
   then held talks with former prime ministers, including caretaker
   Hariri. He later met with blocs at the legislature.

   Militant Hezbollah and its allies had previously insisted that a new
   government consist of politicians and experts,but on Saturday, Diab
   said ``all parties agree with me regarding a government made up of
   independents and experts, including Hezbollah.''

   Legislator Paula Yacoubian, who backs the protest movement, said Diab
   told her ``the government will be fully made up of independents and
   that he will step down if there is going to be members of the state's
   political parties.''

   She added: ``I heard very nice talksimilar towhat the people have been
   demanding.''

   Protesters' demand

   The protesters have been demanding a government that does not include
   members of political parties whom they blame for widespread corruption.
   Diab said he wouldmeet with the protesters in the coming days,without
   elaborating.

   Earlier Saturday, Hariri cautioned supporters against violent protests,
   saying: ``The army is ours and police forces are for all Lebanese.''

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