Siniora to head Lebanon government

“We did not nominate Prime Minister Siniora as a challenge, but for reconciliation and to turn the page,” Saad al-Hariri, the coalition government’s majority leader, said after informing Suleiman of his choice.

 

Lebanon’s constitution requires the president to appoint the candidate backed by the largest number of legislators.

 

Siniora’s appointment follows a deal, mediated by Qatar, that ended 18 months of conflict between Lebanon’s governing coalition and the opposition.

 

“It’s not a huge surprise but it’s an important step to implementing the agreement that was signed in Doha,” said Rula Amin, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Beirut.

 

Sleiman himself was elected president on Sunday as a result of the Qatar-mediated deal.

 

Hussein Mohammed Janadin was caught in the crossfire in the clash at a military post in the village of Aramoun, south of Beirut, officials said.

 

The soldier is the first person to die as a result of fighting between supporters of political factions since the power-sharing deal.

 

The clashes suggest that while Lebanon’s leaders have worked out an accord, their respective supporters may be more reluctant to observe the political détente.

In a speech to supporters on Monday, Nasrallah hailed Sleiman’s election as president, calling it a new chapter for Lebanon.