New Lebanon govt does not signal radical shift: Mikati

[bemildred]

BEIRUT — Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati told AFP on Monday that his new government, in which Israel's archfoe Hezbollah and its allies hold the majority of portfolios, will not thrust the country into the radical camp.

"The fact that Hezbollah and its allies have 18 seats in the 30-member cabinet does not mean that the country will join the radical camp in terms of its relations with the international community," Mikati said in an exclusive interview shortly after announcing his government line-up, ending nearly five months of arduous talks.

"Lebanon has always had very good relations with the international community and we would like to maintain stability in the country," he added.

Mikati said that it was significant that more than a third -- 12 -- of the ministers were appointed by himself, the president or Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, thus ensuring Hezbollah and its allies could not make decisions unilaterally.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5goYvTBsaMpUky3OISHJOf88ZEnKQ?docId=CNG.e59fc62cfa8bb03e475fc4d96b489512.8b1

[Alamuti Lotus]

1. unfortunately, that's a true statement

One of Nasrallah's typically bizarre moves, trying to appease people who really can't or shouldn't be appeased...but anyway. He's decent enough, at least without the Saudi corruption -- he had his falling out with the kingdom years ago, and he's rich enough not to care about repairing the ties.