The Lebanese prime minister-designate has called on all the political parties to contribute to the national salvation program, noting that the Lebanese can cooperate to prevent the total collapse of the nation.

Iran PressMiddle East: Securing 54 votes, Najib Mikati was designated by President Michel Aoun on Thursday after the binding parliamentary consultations held at Baabda Palace. His rival Nawaf Salam obtained only 25 votes.

Mikati, who had held a trilateral meeting with President Michel Aoun and House Speaker Nabih Berri, underscored the importance of reinforcing the implementation of the salvation plan.

46 Lebanese lawmakers refrained from nominating any candidate during the binding parliamentary consultations, which had started early Thursday.

The parliament set Monday and Tuesday as two dates for the non-binding parliamentary consultations after which Mikati will be concerned with forming the new government.

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