Lebanon's new prime minister Fuad Siniora on Tuesday unveiled his cabinet which includes for the first time a member of Hizbullah.
Siniora's cabinet, which was approved by President Emile Lahoud is the first since Syria ended its three-decade military presence in April. "It is a coherent team... chosen to overcome the challenges confronting Lebanon," the prime minister-designate told reporters, according to AFP.
"It is excellent that HIzbUllah is in the government... it has a strong popular base and must be represented."
HIzbUllah member Mohammed Fneish becomes energy minister in the new government while Shiite independent Fawzi Salukh becomes foreign minister.
The new government does not include the alliance of former exiled Christian MP Michel Aoun, which has 21 MPs.
Charles Rizk, a former information minister, becomes minister of justice, while Elias Murr, target of a failed assassination bid last week, remains defence minister.
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
