Summary
Prime Minister Tammam Salam Saturday formed his 24-member Cabinet, bringing together figures from the country's rival political groups and ending months of political deadlock.
A presidential decree appointing Salam and his Cabinet was issued after talks between President Michel Sleiman, Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at Baabda Palace.
The newly formed Cabinet brings together Lebanon's rival March 14 and March 8 coalitions as well as so-called centrist figures loyal to the president, Salam and Progressive Socialist Party MP Walid Jumblatt.
While Hezbollah was allotted two portfolios in the government, the Future Movement has four ministers including the sovereign Interior Ministry.
The deal is based on 8-8-8 Cabinet lineup in which eight ministers are allotted to the March 8 and March 14 coalitions each.
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