BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanon’s parliamentary majority  leader Saad al-Hariri was appointed prime minister-designate yesterday, pledging to seek a national unity government but  warning that his task would be difficult.
President Michel Suleiman issued a presidential decree  designating Sunni Muslim Hariri after 86 parliamentarians in the  128-seat assembly nominated him for the post.

Hariri said he would seek to form a unity government capable  of facing the country’s many political, economic and social  challenges.

“In line with our commitment during the election campaign in  favour of a national unity government in which the main  parliamentary blocs are represented… we will begin  consultations with all parliamentary blocs…” Hariri said  after receiving his designation decree from Suleiman.