Hezbollah appeals to forming Lebanese unity government in calm atmosphere

BEIRUT, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem called on Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to form a national unity government and enhance the calm atmosphere in the country, Ad-diyar daily reported Saturday.

In his interview with the daily, Qassem said that a national unity government should be formed in a way that would "prevent the return of the country to the way it was prior to Doha Accord."

The Doha Accord signed on May 21, 2008 ended a political deadlock between the ruling majority and the opposition, and secured the election of a new president after six months of vacancy of the presidential seat.

"Hariri must produce a formula that guarantees actual participation and partnership by all," said Qassem, adding that the opposition remains open to any proposal or formula.

In the meantime, the opposition has been demanding veto power in the new cabinet as the minimum request to participate in the government.

Hariri was designated by President Michel Suleiman to form the new cabinet on June 27, following the ruling majority's winning over Hezbollah-led opposition in the parliamentary elections on June 7.

However, Hariri hasn't made any progress for the fourth week after his assignment, amid the rejection of the ruling majority leaders to give the opposition veto power.