News In Brief

Lebanese Shiite agrees to join unity Cabinet

President Amin Gemayel appointed Shiite Muslim leader Nabih Berri minister of state for southern Lebanon Monday. The move came a day after Lebanon's first major peace march was canceled by Christian and Muslim organizers who feared attacks by militiamen.

Mr. Berri had demanded creation of and control over a ministry to deal with Shiite-populated areas as a condition for joining the proposed 10-man Cabinet, which is to include leaders of the main political and militia factions.

His appointment appeared to clear the way for the government of rival Muslim and Christian leaders to start work tackling political reforms that may help end nine years of civil war in Lebanon.