UK Looks Forward to Working with Hariri on 'Economy, Security, Refugees'

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Thursday congratulated al-Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri on his appointment as Prime Minister-designate, hoping this will be followed by “the swift formation of a Cabinet.”

“The recent political progress in Lebanon demonstrates what can be achieved by politicians working together in the Lebanese national interest. I very much hope that Lebanese leaders will continue in this spirit and seize this opportunity to strengthen state institutions, pursue much needed reforms to boost the economy, and deliver the future the Lebanese deserve,” Johnson said in a statement.

He reiterated that the UK is committed to supporting “a sovereign, prosperous and secure Lebanon.”

“We look forward to working with Prime Minister Hariri on a number of essential issues including strengthening the economy and security, promoting co-existence, and managing the challenge of large numbers of refugees to the benefit of all,” Britain's top diplomat said.

He also lauded caretaker Prime Minister Tammam Salam for “his work to guide the country through this testing period.”

Hariri's key support has contributed to the election of Free Patriotic Movement founder Michel Aoun as Lebanon's 13th president, which ended around two and a half years of presidential and political vacuum.

Hariri's nomination and Aoun's election have raised hopes that Lebanon can begin tackling challenges including a stagnant economy, a moribund political class and the influx of more than a million Syrian refugees.

In a sign that Hariri's task ahead might not be easy, Hizbullah's MPs declined to endorse him for the prime minister post on Thursday, even though his nomination was all-but-assured.

Hariri is likely to struggle with his government's policy statement, which will have to make reference to Israel, as well as the war in Syria, both potential flashpoints with Hizbullah.

The process of forming a government could take months, with horsetrading likely to revolve around the distribution of key posts like the interior, defense and energy ministries.