AKIPRESS.COM - Lebanon has agreed a new government of national unity, ending nearly nine months of political wrangling, BBC reports.

"We must turn the page and start working," said Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who is now in his third term.

The 30-member cabinet has four women, including the interior minister - a first for Lebanon.

The most pressing challenge for the cabinet is to revive Lebanon's economic fortunes and cut the national debt, which stands at about 150% of GDP.

Mr Hariri's reforms are expected to unlock nearly $11bn (£8bn) in pledged international aid and loans.

Fireworks lit up the sky over the capital Beirut on Thursday to celebrate the formation of the new government.