Intensive talks under way to form new Lebanese government
(dpa)
Beirut (dpa) - Intensive talks are under way between political parties in Lebanon to try to form a government in an effort to quickly contain public anger after the massive Beirut port blast, political sources said.
"All efforts are being exerted to name a new premier and form a government before September 1, when French President Emmanuel Macron is due to return to the country for political talks," the sources told dpa.
Macron visited Beirut on August 6, two days after the port blast. He met Lebanese leaders and toured the devastated areas.
Hassan Diab resigned as prime minister on Monday amid protests over the blast that killed 165 people and wounded 6,000 others.
"The new premier must be able to form an emergency government to contain the anger of the people that is why he needs to be from outside the current Lebanese ruling class," a Lebanese lawmaker, who requested anonymity, told dpa.
"He needs to restore the Lebanese people's trust," the lawmaker said.
Political observers believe Lebanon is under heavy pressure from the international community to name a premier.
Leaders have struggled to map a way out of the country's worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.
The Lebanese parliament is due to meet on Thursday to discuss the aftermath of the blast and ways to avoid the country entering a political vacuum.
Macron visited Beirut on August 6, two days after the port blast. He met Lebanese leaders and toured the devastated areas.
Hassan Diab resigned as prime minister on Monday amid protests over the blast that killed 165 people and wounded 6,000 others.
"The new premier must be able to form an emergency government to contain the anger of the people that is why he needs to be from outside the current Lebanese ruling class," a Lebanese lawmaker, who requested anonymity, told dpa.
"He needs to restore the Lebanese people's trust," the lawmaker said.
Political observers believe Lebanon is under heavy pressure from the international community to name a premier.
Leaders have struggled to map a way out of the country's worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.
The Lebanese parliament is due to meet on Thursday to discuss the aftermath of the blast and ways to avoid the country entering a political vacuum.