Optimism mounting for Lebanese Cabinet

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Lebanese lawmakers are moving closer to forming a national government that serves the interests of all parties, the deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah said.

Lawmakers in Beirut have struggled to form a national government since June parliamentary elections brought the March 14 slate to power. Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri vowed to form a new government quickly, though political defections and ministerial disputes undermined his efforts.

Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheik Naim Qassem sounded upbeat on the possibility of a Cabinet following deliberation over the allocation of ministerial portfolios, Hezbollah's al-Manar news station reports.

"The solution is getting closer because the national unity government serves all parties' interests," he said. "The most important thing of it all is that it serves the interests of Lebanon and its strength."

Hezbollah is part of the March 8 opposition movement. Hariri had reached a power-sharing arrangement with the March 8 coalition and supporters of Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, though political bickering threatened to unravel that agreement.

Lebanese leaders echoed the optimism expressed by Hezbollah, saying a new government could develop by the end of the week.

"We have agreed on the essentials," said Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.