Lebanon's government resigns:

The Lebanese prime minister, Omar Karami, announced the resignation of his pro-Syrian government today, two weeks after the assassination of his predecessor triggered huge street protests and calls for Syria to withdraw thousands of troops. "I am keen that the government will not be a hurdle in front of those who want the good for this country. I declare the resignation of the government that I had the honour to head. May God preserve Lebanon," Mr Karami said. The resignation was a huge victory for the opposition and the most dramatic moment yet in the series of protests and political manoeuvres that have shaken Lebanon and its Syrian-backed government since the assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri. Mr Karami's cabinet will continue as a caretaker government. The next step is for the president to appoint a prime minister after consulting with members of parliament. The new prime minister will then consult parliamentary blocs to form a cabinet that must withstand a parliamentary vote of confidence. Jubilant demonstrators immediately called for the country's pro-Syrian president, Emile Lahoud, to step down next, shouting "Lahoud, your turn is coming", "Syria Out" and "freedom, sovereignty, independence".