Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a statement following the conclusion of Lebanon’s parliamentary consultations, congratulating Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam and wishing him success in forming a government aligned with the principles set by President Joseph Aoun's oath.

The top judge at the International Court of Justice Nawaf Salam has been designated Lebanon’s next prime minister in a surprising turnaround for the crisis-ridden country.

Nawaf Salam, the head of the International Court of Justice, looked on course to become Lebanon's prime minister after more than half of lawmakers backed him for the post on Monday, reflecting the weakened position of Hezbollah which wanted Najib Mikati to keep the job.