Tammam Salam named  Lebanese PM

Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman has officially asked Tammam Salam to form a new government after the Sunni Muslim politician and former minister of culture received broad support from lawmakers to become the country’s new prime minister, Media reports. Salam to  succeed Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who resigned two weeks ago following a two year stint in office which was defined by growing sectarian tensions and the economic repercussions from the civil war in neighboring Syria.

Salam will be tasked with preparing for parliamentary elections if he is able to form a new cabinet. Elections are set for June, though the parliamentary poll is likely to be delayed.