Najib Mikati announced his resignation in a televised speech.

 

　　"I announce the resignation of the government. This may form an impetus for the essential political bloc in Lebanon to shoulder their responsibilities and to come back for meetings in order to save Lebanon from an unknown destiny."

 

　　Lebanon's parliament has been unable to agree on a law to govern elections slated for later this year.

 

　　The Hezbollah-dominated Cabinet has also refused to extend the tenure of Major General Ashraf Rifi, Lebanon's Sunni police chief.

 

　　Lebanese President Michel Suleiman must accept Mikati's resignation for it to be official.

 

　　Najib Mikati's resignation comes at a time of rising tensions and sporadic violence in Lebanon largely linked to the civil war next door in Syria.

 

　　Lebanon and Syria share a complex network of political and sectarian ties, and many fear that the war in Syria will bring violence to Lebanon.