BEIRUT, Lebanon – Under intense public pressure over its allegiance to Syria, the Lebanese government abruptly resigned Monday even though it appeared likely to have survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament.
The resignation came as more than 25,000 protesters gathered near Parliament to demand that the government step down after the assassination of Lebanon’s former prime minister, Rafik Hariri, two weeks ago. Many Lebanese have blamed Hariri’s killing on Syria and its Lebanese allies.
Syria, which has kept thousands of troops here since 1975, has denied involvement in the Feb. 14 bombing that killed Hariri.
As Parliament convened for a marathon session debating the government’s future, Prime Minister Omar Karami announced that he and his 30-member Cabinet would step down so they “do not become an obstacle to the good of the country.” Protesters watching Karami on a large TV screen in downtown Beirut erupted in cheers and applause. They waved the red, white and green Lebanese flag and chanted “Syria Out!”
Karami’s resignation emboldened the Lebanese opposition, and opposition leaders called on demonstrators to remain in Martyr’s Square until Syria withdraws its troops. Some in the crowd began chanting, “Lahoud, your turn is coming,” a reference to Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, a Syrian-backed politician who was not affected by Monday’s resignations.
With Karami’s resignation, Lahoud must now appoint a temporary government that will approve a law to manage parliamentary elections planned for April and May. The opposition hopes to use its public support to dominate the temporary cabinet.
In Washington, the Bush administration welcomed the resignation and repeated its demand for a complete Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon.
“Syrian military forces and intelligence personnel need to leave the country,” said White House spokesman Scott McClellan. “That will help ensure that elections are free and fair.”
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