Outgoing Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Haririarrived at the presidential palace on Thursday as formal consultations began todesignate a new premier, live television footage showed.
Senior political sources said former education ministerHassan Diab looks set to be designated to the position with the backing offactions including the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah.
Hariri, who is aligned with the West and Gulf Arab states,resigned on Oct. 29, prompted by protests against the ruling elite.