Lebanese president writes off current gov't

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said in a statement on Saturday that he no longer recognized the current government after the resignation of six ministers.

"The current government no longer represents all the Lebanese people," the statement issued from presidential office quoted Lahoud as saying when he met a delegation from the Lebanese National League.

"I promise you that Lebanon will witness the formation of a national government no matter what the cost," he added.

Lahoud' remarks came two days after he announced the cabinet's approval of a UN draft to form an international tribunal on ex- premier Rafik Hariri's assassination was invalid.

The government, headed by Premier Fouad Seniora, adopted on Monday the international tribunal draft despite the absence of six pro-Syrian ministers.

On Nov. 11, five Shiite ministers resigned from the cabinet, a move explained by both Hezbollah and Amal as a first step to push for the formation of a national unity government.

Environment Minister Yaacoub Sarraf, a Christian considered close to Lahoud, also resigned on Nov. 13.

Hariri was killed in a powerful bombing on the Beirut seafront on Feb. 14 last year, causing a mass anti-Syrian wave which prompted the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.

A UN-led special tribunal was formed to investigate the Hariri case following the incident.

As for the international tribunal, President Lahoud said that he had nothing against the Hariri tribunal, but underlined that " the framework which the United Nations sent will not allow the court to judge justly."

Source: Xinhua