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Hariri gives Lebanese president new cabinet list
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Wednesday met with President Michel Aoun in renewed efforts to resolve a political deadlock in the country and following a quick trip to Cairo, a close ally.
He proposed a new 24-minister Cabinet and said he expects a response from Aoun by Thursday.
There were reports this was a last-ditch effort before Hariri steps down.
“We have entered the ninth month trying to form a government," he said after the meeting. “Now is a time for the truth.”
Hariri has been unable to agree with Aoun on a Cabinet line-up.
French and local efforts have failed to bridge the differences - mostly over who has more clout over the new government, which would take tough economic decisions and oversee critical elections.
Lebanon is in the throes of the country's worst economic crisis but the political leadership has been unable to form a government to lead negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a recovery package.