Last-minute disagreements between various political groups could hold up the announcement of the formation of a new Lebanese cabinet, sources say.

Fouad Siniora, the Lebanese prime minister, was earlier expected to announce on Saturday the formation of his new cabinet comprising 30 ministers.

He was expected to make the announcement at a dinner hosted by Michel Aoun, the leader of the opposition Free Patriotic Movement, in his honour.

But sources have told Al Jazeera that some disagreements persisted, possibly delaying the announcement further.

Michel Suleiman, the Lebanese president, had asked Siniora to form the government five weeks ago.

Disagreements between the majority and the opposition parties over ministerial berths explain the long delay in forming the cabinet.

Both sides had agreed to form a national government following a deal brokered by Qatar.

Under the Doha agreement, the 30-member cabinet will have 16 ministers from the majority, 11 from the opposition and three nominated by the president.