Hariri government resigned, Lahoud accepts

An official statement in Beirut said yesterday that the Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri submitted his resignation which was accepted by President Emil Lahoud, who asked Hariri "to run the works of the government." The statement which was issued by the Lebanese presidency said that the presidency will start as from today ( Wednesday) consultations to appoint a new prime minister without giving reasons behind the unexpected resignation of Hariri.

The statement was issued in conclusion of a meeting that lasted for ten minutes between Hariri and Lahoud at Baabda presidential palace, east Beirut.

Replying to a question on whether he will form the new government, Hariri told journalists that consultations will decide the next prime minister.

Governmental sources said that Hariri might be re appointed again to his post. The resigned government includes 30 ministers. It was formed in October, 2000.