Lebanon's parliament Speaker NabihBerri Friday night confirmed Prime Minister Omar Karami's withdrawal of resignation, saying he will not step down and will try again to form a unity government to lead the country to elections due in May. (Reuters)

    BEIRUT, April 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Lebanon's parliament Speaker NabihBerri Friday night confirmed Prime Minister Omar Karami's withdrawal of resignation, saying he will not step down and will try again to form a unity government to lead the country to elections due in May.

    Earlier, the Qatar-based al-Jazeera TV channel reported that Karami has withdrawn his resignation to President Emile Lahoud and planned to form a new government soon.

    Berri confirmed Karami's withdrawal of resignation to reporters after a meeting of pro-Syrian politicians in the parliament. "Those meeting have unanimously declared their refusal to give up on their demand for a government of national unity lead by Prime Minister Omar Karami," Berri told reporters.

    "Karami told us of his willingness to give up as he has not managed to persuade (the opposition) to take part in a government of national unity, but we refused and asked him to continue to form a government," he added.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Karami announced to delay submitting resignation after a meeting with President Lahoud.

    He told reporters after the meeting that "I have informed him of my decision but I will not formally announce my resignation until I meet the Ain al-Tineh (pro-government) gathering on Thursday. "The meeting with pro-government parties would begin within 48hours, Karami said, stressing that he still insists on forming a national unity government.

    Karami fired a parting shot at the country's political opposition and blamed them for his resignation and the continuing political deadlock which leaves Lebanon without an effective government.

    "They are the ones who rejected my invitations to join me in a national unity government," he said, adding "our hands were open to them and we were ready to discuss any issue."

    Karami was re-appointed on March 10 after his resignation on Feb. 28 amid demonstrations of the opposition in the country. Lebanon has plunged into a political turbulence since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on Feb. 14,which the opposition has said the Syria-backed authorities should be responsible for. Enditem