Lebanese PM wraps up talks on new govt

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora wrapped up two days of talks with leaders of rival parliamentary blocs yesterday on forming a national unity government but gave no date for a new line-up.
"I am not setting any specific date," Siniora said of his efforts to form a new government after a deal last week between rival politicians ended an 18-month crisis that erupted into street battles that killed 65 people.
Siniora is due to brief President Michel Sleiman on the results of his talks with lawmakers from the Western- and Saudi-backed ruling parliamentary majority and the Hezbollah-led opposition backed by Syria and Iran.
"We want the government to reflect Lebanese consensus and the (terms) of the Doha accord, and I will strive to do that in the next few days," said Siniora, who was reappointed on Wednesday by Sleiman and asked to form a new cabinet.