Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced on Friday the resignation of the government after a cabinet session in which he failed to pass the extension of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi’s term

Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced on Friday the resignation of the government after a cabinet session in which he failed to pass the extension of Internal Security Forces chief Ashraf Rifi's term.

“Today I announce the resignation of the government, hoping that this will constitute the only gateway for the major political blocs in Lebanon to assume their responsibilities and come together to bring Lebanon out of the unknown,” Mikati told a news conference at the Grand Serail.

“I'm addressing you today as a brother, hoping my speech will lead to a better security and economic situation in Lebanon,” he began his address by saying.

“I'm addressing you while my city (Tripoli) is bleeding and bidding farewell to martyrs, the city that I always want to see at the forefront of all cities,” Mikati added. “From the very first moment I began my political career, I've been trying to seek solutions and I never hesitated in exerting efforts to protect the country,” said Mikati.

The premier stressed that he exerted all efforts possible “for the sake of a free country.” “Today, while we were discussing the issue of holding the elections, I realized that renewal and pumping blood into the veins of the political life are a national duty,” he said.

Counting reasons behind his resignation, Mikati said “I found out that it is necessary for Rifi to carry on with his duties in order to protect the (ISF) institution,” he added.

Mikati said he found himself obligated to “take a stance of conscience in order to allow dialogue to take place,” calling for the formation of a salvation government.

He revealed that he had thought about resigning twice. “The first was over the financing of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and the second upon the martyrdom of Maj. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan,” he added.