Lebanon's president reappointed pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami today, 10 days after the opposition had forced the Sunni Muslim politician to resign.
Mr Karami, who had resigned amid a storm of anti-Syrian protests in Beirut, said his new mission was to form a national unity government to save Lebanon from destruction. His previous cabinet was packed with pro-Syrian ministers.
"The only way to confront all the difficulties facing the nation is a government of national unity," Mr Karami said. "If there is any procrastination in responding to this invitation, it means we're heading to destruction."
President Emile Lahoud formally asked Mr Karami to pick a new cabinet a day after parliament, where Syria's allies have a majority, nominated him for the premiership.
It was not clear if any opposition politicians, who had said they wanted a cabinet excluding candidates in general elections due in May, would join a unity government.
They also want a full Syrian pullout, the sacking of pro-Syrian security chiefs and an international inquiry into last month's killing of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri.
An MP loyal to Mr Hariri said her bloc would remain in opposition.