(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced on Monday a long-delayed new government dominated by allies of Hezbollah.
Mikati was appointed to form a government after Hezbollah and its allies toppled former premier Saad al-Hariri's coalition in January over a dispute involving the U.N.-backed tribunal investigating the assassination of statesman Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father.
"Let us go to work immediately according to the principles and basis that we have affirmed our commitment to several times, namely ... defending Lebanon's sovereignty and its independence and liberating land that remains under the occupation of the Israeli enemy," Mikati said at the Baabda Presidential Palace.
Political wrangling had held up the formation of the cabinet, including disagreements over sensitive posts.
Mikati, who says he is politically neutral, said the Lebanese government would seek to maintain positive ties with all Arab countries.
"This government is committed to maintaining strong, brotherly ties which bind Lebanon to all Arab countries without exception," Mikati said.
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