Tough talks begin

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate yesterday launched consultations to form a desperately-needed government for a protest-hit country facing economic collapse, saying political leaders are warming up to a line-up of independent experts. Debt-burdened Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government since former prime minister Saad Hariri resigned on October 29 in the face of nationwide protests.

Demonstrators are demanding an overhaul of the political establishment which they deem corrupt and inept, insisting on a government of independents and experts with no ties to the country’s sectarian parties. But Shiite groups Amal and Hizbollah have been demanding a government that includes representatives of established parties. “Lebanon is in intensive care,” prime minister-designate Hassan Diab told reporters after meeting several political leaders on Saturday.

“All (political) sides are in line with my (proposal) for a government of independents and experts, including Hizbollah,” he said. Mr Diab, a 60-year-old engineering professor and self-styled technocrat, said he is hoping to set up a 20-member government within four to six weeks. He said he would start talks with representatives of the popular movement on Sunday to form such a government.