The Lebanese Prime-Minister-designate, Salim Hoss, has announced a cabinet of sixteen members, about half the size of the previous government.

The new government, an equal mix of Moslems and Christians, includes both technocrats and politicians, but will not include members of any political parties.

Mr Hoss was named Prime minister by President Emile Lahoud on Wednesday after his predecesssor Rafik Hariri resigned unexpectedly.

Only two members of the outgoing Hariri government are to remain in the new cabinet the Agriculture Minister Soleiman Frangieh, and the Interior Minister, Michel Murr.