Lebanon's president holds long-delayed talks with parliamentary blocs to discuss the naming of a new prime minister amid an unprecedented political and economic crisis and weeks of nationwide protests roiling the country.
In this photo released by Lebanese government, Lebanese President Michel Aoun, left, meets with outgoing Prime Minister Saad Hariri, right, in the presidential palace, in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019. Lebanon's president was holding long-delayed talks with parliamentary blocs Thursday to discuss the naming of a new prime minister amid an unprecedented political and economic crisis and weeks of nationwide protests roiling the country.
The meeting comes after caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri withdrew his name for the nomination as the blocs could not agree on backing him. The protesters on the streets have already rejected his nomination. Hassan Diab, a university professor and former minister of education, has emerged as a possible candidate. For a nomination, he needs the backing of at least half of the lawmakers. In Lebanon’s sectarian-based political system, the prime minister has to be from the Sunni Muslim community.However, Hariri’s bloc of 18 lawmakers as well as another Sunni bloc with three seats, headed by former Prime Minister Najib Mikati, declined to name a favorite in the talks with Aoun.
The Western-backed Hariri had until this week hoped to be named premier again but failed to get the support from Christian parliamentary blocs.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lebanon's Hariri says he will not be prime ministerLebanon's Saad al-Hariri said on Wednesday he was not a candidate to be pri...
Read more »
Lebanon's Hariri arrives at presidency as PM consultations beginOutgoing Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri arrived at the presidential pala...
Read more »
Third night of clashes as Lebanon postpones talks on new prime ministerThe protests come hours after President Michel Aoun postponed consultation to select a new prime minister after weeks of largely peaceful street protests descended into weekend violence, leaving dozens wounded.
Read more »
As House votes to impeach Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton pledges to help Democrats 'retire the incumbent''It's really important to me that I do everything I can and make sure that we retire the incumbent regardless of what happens,' Hillary Clinton said at New York's Pace University on Wednesday.
Read more »
Kazakh president reshuffles senior officialsKazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday named Kanat Bozumbayev, prev...
Read more »
The Transformation of Kanye West.kanyewest opens up to Vogue about his new opera 'Mary,' grace, and his faith.
Read more »