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Lebanon’s cabinet files joint notice of resignation

LEBANON’S government resigned yesterday in the wake of last week’s devastating explosion in Beirut and the wave of protests that followed.

The move, made as nearly a year of anti-government protests reached a climax, could open the way for lengthy wrangles over a new cabinet despite calls for urgent reform.

Prime minister Hassan Diab headed to the presidential palace to submit the cabinet’s joint resignation after a meeting of the ministers, health minister Hamad Hassan confirmed to reporters.

It follows a weekend of anti-government protests in the wake of the August 4 explosion in Beirut’s port that caused widespread destruction, killed at least 160 people and injured about 6,000 others.

“I hope that the caretaking period will not be long, because the country cannot take that. Lets hope a new government will be formed quickly,” public works minister Michel Najjar said.

“An effective government is the least we need to get out of this crisis.”

Protests at the weekend were cracked down on by security forces, firing tear gas at demonstrators.

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