Karami invites the opposition to form a national unity government

The designated Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami on Thursday called on the Lebanese opposition to get involved in a national unity government. This was less than an hour after the Lebanese opposition considered his designation for forming a new government as an extension of the crisis and a provocation for the feeling of the opposition side.

Karami who presided over the government which gave its resignation 10 days ago as a result of the implications of the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri said that "if it is not possible to form a national salvation government he will not form s government similar to the previous one."

Lebanese opposition parliamentarian Walid Junblat commented from Moscow where he arrived on Wednesday on Karami's reappointment to form the government by saying it is an extending for the crisis and closing the door to dialogue.

In Beirut, member in Qurnet Shahwan Meeting group, Samir Franjieh, said commenting on Karami's designation that it is a step of defiance for the feeling of the opposition and the people aiming at cutting the way before dialogue. He did not explain the nature of the opposition's reaction to this step.

In a press conference held in the presidential palace, Karami urged the opposition to take part in the new government. He held responsible those who do not the responsibility of "obstruction and leading Lebanon to devastation." He called on all Lebanese parties to maintain a national dialogue at the table of the cabinet noting to join :without any preconditions.: