Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Thursday reappointed pro-Syrian Omar Karami to be the country's new premier, 10 days after Karami resigned under massive protests and pressure. This is the file photo of Omar Karami. (xinhua/AFP)

     BEIRUT, March 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Thursday reappointed pro-Syrian Omar Karami to be the country's newpremier, 10 days after Karami resigned under massive protests and pressure.

    The decision was made after the majority of Lebanese lawmakers nominated Karami to head the new government on Wednesday.

    "The current difficulties can only be confronted with a government of national unity, a salvation government," Karami told reporters after being entitled by the president.

    He said he will start consultations with the opposition for the formation of the government on Monday, which is the only way to save the country from destruction.

    The caretaker prime minister quit from office on Feb. 28 under large-scale popular protests in Beirut following the Feb. 14 assassination of his predecessor Rafik Hariri.

    Karami, 67, had been a parliament member since 1991, and first took over as prime minister in December 1990. But, he resigned in 1992 under nationwide strikes and protests over high prices.

    Karami returned to his post as Lebanese premier in November 2004 after Hariri resigned due to strained relations with President Lahoud. Enditem