BEIRUT: Speaker Nabih Berri said Friday that his Development and Liberation bloc has named Beirut MP Tammam Salam to form the new government.
“The bloc announced the nomination of [MP] Tammam Salam to form a national and consensual government, to restore peace among the Lebanese,” Berri told reporters following the bloc’s meeting at his Beirut residence in Ain al-Tineh.
“This is a new page opened by the former majority [March 14] toward the former opposition [March 8],” Berri said.
“I hope that [Salam’s nomination] will open a new page for everyone in order to work for the sake of Lebanon's future and toward its salvation,” he added.
The speaker also expressed hope that Salam’s appointment would bridge the gap between the rival March 8 and March 14 coalitions.
Berri also hailed March 14 for “climbing the ladder of centrism” along with Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt.
