A candidate backed by the Hizballah Shi'ite radical movement has been appointed Lebanon's prime minister.
President Michel Sleiman today asked Najib Mikati -- a Sunni billionaire turned politician -- to try to form a new government.
Speaking after his appointment, Mikati said he would start talks to form a new government on January 27 and urged all Lebanese factions to overcome their differences.
Acting Prime Minister Saad Hariri said previously he would not join a Hizballah-controlled government.
Hizballah brought down Hariri's government when it walked out in mid-January.
Mikati's nomination set off protests by Hariri supporters in the northern city of Tripoli and elsewhere.
The United States has voiced "great concern" over a Lebanese government dominated by Iran-backed Hizballah.
compiled from agency reports
President Michel Sleiman today asked Najib Mikati -- a Sunni billionaire turned politician -- to try to form a new government.
Speaking after his appointment, Mikati said he would start talks to form a new government on January 27 and urged all Lebanese factions to overcome their differences.
Acting Prime Minister Saad Hariri said previously he would not join a Hizballah-controlled government.
Hizballah brought down Hariri's government when it walked out in mid-January.
Mikati's nomination set off protests by Hariri supporters in the northern city of Tripoli and elsewhere.
The United States has voiced "great concern" over a Lebanese government dominated by Iran-backed Hizballah.
compiled from agency reports
