Lebanese President Michel Aoun has pledged on Thursday for the establishment of a new government that includes political positions based on people skills.

Iran Press/Middle East: "Ministers should be selected based on their qualifications and experience, not their political loyalties," Aoun said while making a speech at the presidential palace, in Baabda, on the third anniversary of his presidency.

He also added that the formation of cabinets in Lebanon had always been politicized and he warned against forming a sectarian state, Reuters reported.

Lebanon has been witnessing mass demonstrations in recent days in protest at rising taxes and the country's stagnant economy. 

Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri submitted his resignation on Tuesday, but President Michel Aoun asked him to stay on in a caretaking capacity until a new cabinet could be formed.

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