Lebanese leader calls for forming Nat'l unity gov't

BEIRUT, May 23 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Wednesday that the next step following the election of a new Parliament and Speaker is the formation of a national unity government that is capable of facing the challenges in Lebanon.
Quoted by Lebanese news agency (NNA), Aoun made his remarks in a speech, in the wake of an Iftar banquet he hosted at Baabda palace, adding the new government must be capable of addressing the regional and international situation while preserving home stability, in addition to fighting corruption and modernizing the state.
Calling for adopting rational and calm rhetoric, the President reminded of the internal and external challenges, which can be only faced with unity and solidarity.
Moreover, he maintained that the ailing economic situation was among the most pressing issues requiring solutions, urging for resolving the growing Syrian refugees' plight.
"Everyone is invited to facilitate the formation of the new government in the nearest time possible; the pressing situation does not allow any waste of time," Aoun added. (end) wsm.mb