Lebanon on Friday announced the formation of a government of national unity in which the pro-Syrian and pro-Iranian Hizbollah movement and its allies hold veto power over crucial decisions. Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who headed the previous western-backed government, will continue in his function.

Mr Siniora indicated that the main task of the new government would be preparing the country for general elections by the middle of next year, “in an atmosphere of transparancy”.