Lebanon announces formation of new government

The Lebanese Presidency announced Saturday the formation of a new 24-member government headed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. According to local TV channel al-Jadeed, Salam told reporters at the presidential palace that the new government will be reform-driven, which is the only path to saving Lebanon.

The government will implement the 1989 Taif Agreement that ended the civil war in Lebanon, enact financial and economic reforms, and ensure an independent judiciary, he said. The government will also work to restore confidence between Lebanon and the international community, and rebuild trust between it and the youth, he said, noting that he will work closely with President Joseph Aoun "to launch a national reconstruction initiative for Lebanon."