File photo taken on Nov. 30, 2011 shows Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati speaks in Beirut. Miqati announced his resignation on March 22, 2013, in the evening after his government failed to reach an agreement in a cabinet session earlier in the day over the formation of a supervisory electoral body, state media said. (Xinhua/Lebanese News Agency)
BEIRUT, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Suleiman accepted Saturday the resignation of the government of Prime Minister Najib Miqati, but tasked it with assuming a caretaking role until a new government is formed.
Miqati has submitted a written resignation to the president after he offered to quit Friday evening.
Miqati's decision was made in light of the cabinet's failure to approve the decisions to form of an authority to oversee the parliamentary elections and to extend the term of Internal Security Forces Director General, Ashraf Rifi.
"I did not consult any side before taking the decision to step down from my position. I did not inform anyone of my decision in order to avoid any pressure from any side. My decision was a personal one," Miqati said after a brief talk with Suleiman.
The outgoing prime minister said it is now important that dialogue among the Lebanese begins, expressing hope that "the resignation will pave the way for a solution to the political deadlock in the country."
BEIRUT, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati announced his resignation Friday evening after his government failed to reach an agreement in a cabinet session earlier in the day over the formation of a supervisory electoral body, state media said.
Miqati made his announcement during a news conference in the Grand Serail, the government headquarters in capital Beirut. Full story
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