Lebanese Primer Minister Omar Karami on Wednesday delayed submitting resignation to President Emile Lahoud despite failure to form a government.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lahoud, Karami said that "I have informed him of my decision but I will not formally announce my resignation until I meet the Ain al-Tineh (pro-government) gathering on Thursday."

The meeting with pro-government parties would begin within 48 hours, Karami said, stressing that he still insists on forming a national unity government.

Karami fired a parting shot at the country's political opposition and blamed them for his resignation and the continuing political deadlock which leaves Lebanon without an effective government.

"They are the ones who rejected my invitations to join me in a national unity government," he said, adding "our hands were open to them and we were ready to discuss any issue."

Karami was re-appointed on March 10 after his resignation on Feb. 28 amid demonstrations in the country. Enditem