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Lebanese Premier Accuses Hezbollah of Blocking Cabinet

by Associated Press

   BEIRUT --

   Lebanon's prime minister-designate has accused Hezbollah of hindering
   the formation of a new government six months after parliamentary
   elections.

   At a press conference Tuesday in Beirut, Saad Hariri said "it's
   Hezbollah, full stop," when asked who was blocking the formation of a
   government. He says the Shi'ite militant group bears full
   responsibility for the consequences, including Lebanon's flagging
   economy.

   He stopped short of resigning, however, saying there was still an
   opportunity to bridge the differences.

   Hezbollah wants six allied Sunni legislators to be represented in the
   new Cabinet, a demand rejected by Hariri, Lebanon's top Sunni leader.

   Lebanon held its first parliamentary elections in nine years in May.