This week 'decisive' for Lebanese government formation

BEIRUT, Jan 29 - This week will be decisive in efforts to form a new Lebanese government, prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri said on Tuesday, adding he was "cautiously optimistic," a statement from his office said.

Rival parties have been negotiating to form a government since an election in May, fueling concerns that a crisis is looming for the country's heavily indebted, stagnant economy.