Omar Karami

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami resigned Wednesday after failing to form a government to lead the country to elections in May.

Mr. Karami says he "reached a dead end" in consultations to form a cabinet.  The pro-Syrian politician first stepped down on February 28 following a wave of anti-Syrian demonstrations.  He was re-appointed in March, but could not form a government including members of Lebanon's anti-Syrian opposition.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice welcomed his latest resignation as an opportunity for Lebanon to move forward and determine its own future, free of outside interference.  She says there is no reason for further delays in Lebanon's political process. 

Wednesday's events come as Lebanese observed the 1975 outbreak of the country's 15-year civil war with a day of reconciliation, celebrating Muslim-Christian unity.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.