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Visiting Saudi FM says 'greatly confident' in Aoun and Salam's ability to reform

Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat said on Thursday he believes crisis-hit Lebanon’s newly elected president and his prime-minister designate are capable of spearheading long-sought reforms.

"We are greatly confident in the ability of... the president and the prime minister to initiate reforms necessary to bolster Lebanon’s security, stability and unity," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said after meeting President Joseph Aoun in Baabda, during the first high-level Saudi visit in more than a decade.

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Shiite Duo says not obstructing government's formation

A senior Shiite Duo official has said that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have been “the bloc that has facilitated the PM-designate’s mission the most.”

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Berri says insisting on finance portfolio not aimed at 'tripartite power-sharing'

Speaker Nabih Berri has stressed that insisting on the finance portfolio for the Shiite community is not aimed at “tripartite or quadripartite power-sharing.”

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Israel says Lebanon pullout will be phased and according to 'security needs'

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday told visiting U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert that Israel is “committed” to the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

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Aoun urges parties to 'rise above petty issues' so govt. can be formed

President Joseph Aoun said Wednesday that “the first positive sign that should be shown to the world is the formation of a government as soon as possible, instead of obstructing formation over narrow sectarian and political interests.”

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LF accuses Hezbollah of obstructing govt formation

The Lebanese Forces accused Wednesday Hezbollah and its allies of delaying the new government's formation through attempting to "impose certain candidates for certain portfolios."

The statement said Hezbollah's obstruction policy will no longer work, adding that their attempts are rejected by all blocs that believe in a future state.

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Salam says he's not a 'mailbox' and govt. is not a 'cake'

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam has announced that the government formation process is moving forward with “firm steps” and that he is “tirelessly” working with President Joseph Aoun to form a new cabinet without delay.

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Hezbollah official assassinated in West Bekaa

Hezbollah’s official for the West Bekaa region, Sheikh Mohammad Hamadi, was assassinated Tuesday evening by unknown gunmen, the state-run National News Agency said.

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Aoun tells Spanish minister that Lebanon insists on Israel withdrawal by Jan. 27

President Joseph Aoun stressed Tuesday that “Lebanon insists on the completion of the Israeli withdrawal from the territory that remains occupied in the south within the deadline specified in the agreement that was reached on November 27.”

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LF says Hezbollah 'disavowing' ceasefire agreement

The Lebanese Forces accused Hezbollah Monday of contradicting the stances of Lebanon's new president and prime minister by refusing to be disarmed, "disavowing the ceasefire agreement."

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem had said the group’s weapons should be part of a national defense strategy that is discussed in a national dialogue and warned that no Lebanese side should try to take advantage of the Israel war to make gains internally.

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