Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has promised President Michel Suleiman to try settling the controversy over Hizbullah's nomination of Ali Qanso, the former SSNP chief, to join the new cabinet as minister of youth and sports.

The pan-Arab daily al-Hayat said Berri made the pledge during a meeting with Suleiman at the Republican Palace on Wednesday.

It quoted opposition sources as saying Hizbullah could nominate its International Relations official Nawaf Moussawi to replace Qanso, former leader of the Syrian Social National Party.

Saniora sources said Wednesday the premier-designate vetoes Qanso in person for his role in the assault on Beirut last May and does not mind participation by any other SSNP member in the cabinet.