Lebanon's president on Wednesday (October 30th) acknowledged the government's resignation following almost two weeks of unprecedented protests but asked it to stay on until a new cabinet is formed, AFP reported.
Michel Aoun "asked the government to continue to conduct affairs until a new cabinet is formed", his office said in a statement.
He said the measure followed the constitutional provision for cases in which the government steps down.
Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri announced his cabinet's resignation on Tuesday following a wave of protests that lasted almost two weeks.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Tuesday for Lebanese political leaders to "urgently" form a new government
"The US calls on Lebanon's political leaders to urgently facilitate the formation of a new government that can build a stable, prosperous, and secure Lebanon that is responsive to the needs of its citizens," Pompeo said in a statement.
"The peaceful demonstrations and expressions of national unity over the last 13 days have sent a clear message," he said. "The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption."
"Any violence or provocative actions must stop, and we call upon Lebanon's army and security services to continue to ensure the rights and safety of the protesters," he added.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely following the developments in Lebanon, Lebanon's Naharnet reported.
"He appeals for calm and restraint" and "calls on all political actors to seek a political solution that will preserve the stability of the country and respond to the aspirations of the Lebanese people", his spokesman Farhan Haq said.
