Qatari Prime Minister Hamad Ben Jassim Al-Thani announced the agreement reached between the Lebanese opposition and majority in Qatar.

“Because of their concern for Lebanon, Lebanese politicians have agreed on the following points,” Thani said.

“First, the election of General Michel Sleiman as president within 24 hours. Second, the establishment of a national-unity government that includes 16 seats for the majority, 11 for the minority and three for the president, and the government commits itself not to resign.”

The agreement also calls for the adoption of the 1960 electoral law and the division of Beirut into three electoral districts.

“The regions of Hasbaya and Marjayoun will remain one electoral district, and the same for Baalbek and Hermel. Beirut will be divided into three electoral districts.”

Majority and opposition representatives have agreed to refer the electoral law suggested by the Boutros Committee to the Lebanese parliament.

In addition, all parties must commit to not resorting to violence and to help strengthen the power of the state to ensure its security and that of the Lebanese people.

“The agreement also calls for re-launching the dialogue under the management of the Lebanese president and ending the use of the language of sectarianism,” he said.

Qatari Prince Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani said that the meeting in Doha was successful because all parties acted courageously and responsibly.

“We have worked and dialogued together, and we were aware that there is only one solution that can drive Lebanon out of the bloody conflict,” he said.

-NOW Staff