July 15, 2008 - 16:11 AMT
Lebanon's new cabinet included two Armenians
Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman decreed formation of a national unity cabinet, which includes two Armenians in its lineup of ministers, Shahan Kandakharyan, editor-in-chief of Azdak Beirut-based newspaper, told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
The unity cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Fouad Saniorai, consists of 30 ministers from the six major sects in a nation made up of 18 religious communities. Alain Tabourian will serve as Minister of Energy and Water, while Jean Ogassapian will serve as one of five Ministers of State.
The cabinet was announced after Suleiman, a Maronite Christian, met Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, a Sunni Muslim, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Shi'ite Muslim.
The new team also has one Hezbollah minister in addition to 10 ministers from its Shi'ite, Druze and Christian allies.