NNA - Most importantly, dialogue must begin and couple with the setting up of a transitional government, outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati, officially informed Lebanese President in his letter of resignation today.



The P.M. thanked both president and members of his ministerial team for their trust and cooperation.



I leave the premiership as I entered in a spirit of good faith contrary to intuitions about resigning due to external pressure, Mikati retorted. He cited 2 main reasons for handing in his resignation namely: Reluctance to hold the elections on time and leaving security organs leaderless. Enough of continued ignoring of the law and blocking us from assuming our responsibility. Matters won't wait any further he concluded.



================G.G./R.K.