Lebanon president asks Siniora to form new cabinet

Beirut: Lebanese president Michel Suleiman appointed Fouad Siniora as prime minister-designate on Wednesday and asked him to form the country's first government under his tenure.

Suleiman issued the presidential decree after 68 deputies in the 127-member parliament nominated Siniora, a leader of the US-backed majority coalition, for the job.

Suleiman was elected by parliament on Sunday.