Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Thursday reappointed pro-Syrian Omar Karami to be the country's new premier, 10 days after Karami resigned under massive protests and pressure.

"The current difficulties can only be confronted with a government of national unity, a salvation government," Karami told reporters after the nomination.

He said he will start consultations with the opposition for the formation of the government on Monday, which is the only way to save the country from destruction.

The caretaker prime minister quit from office on Feb. 28 under large-scale popular protests in Beirut following the Feb. 14 assassination of his predecessor Rafik Hariri.

The opposition groups have put the blame on Syria and the pro-Syrian Lebanese government for Hariri's death.