The Lebanese Shiite party Hizbullah has reiterated its reservations on the newly formed cabinet during a visit by its MPs to Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami, An Nahar reported Friday. The paper quoted MP Ammar Musawi as saying "a better government could have been formed" adding that the Party of God's stance was made clear in a previous statement. Following the announcement of the cabinet, Hizbullah owned TV Al Manar commented by saying that "names were changed, portfolios were reshuffled but the way they were distributed remained as such" referring to struggle over shares between President Emile Lahoud, Speaker Nabih Berri and Karami.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Musawi said the Party "had a number of reservations regarding the new cabinet" but refused to say whether the Party will offer its vote of confidence or not. "The decision (regarding confidence) will be made by the leadership of Hizbullah at the right time," he told reporters.

Musawi went on to say that the purpose of his visit to Karami was not to discuss the cabinet but to wish him good luck in his new post and underscore the need for cooperation. "We had a chat during which we wished him success in his new position. And of course, there will be cooperation (between us), since we believe in this concept and since we named Prime Minister Karami in the consultations that preceded his appointment," Musawi said.