Assad Congratulates Suleiman, Berri on New Govt

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday telephoned President Michel Suleiman to congratulate him on the formation of a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Najib Miqati after nearly five months of wrangling, Suleiman's office said.

For his part, Suleiman hoped “calm and stability will be restored in Syria in the nearest time.”

Later Monday, Assad telephoned Speaker Nabih Berri and congratulated him on “the important step which led to the formation of the new Lebanese government, which, God willing, will have an impact on the entire Arab world,” state-run National News Agency reported.

Miqati on Monday announced the formation of a new 30-member cabinet in which an alliance led by Hizbullah, which is close to Syria, holds the majority.