The aim is to produce a government more representative of popular opinion and, it seems likely, with Hariri again at its head.

To all intents and purposes, by the time the new government is formed, the upheaval will have had little more lasting effect than a minor re-shuffle, according to one pillar of the pro-Syrian establishment.

But it will have raised objections among the anti-Syrian Christian opposition.

"The end of the American military expedition in Iraq and the threats against Syria have made it necessary to put in place a government to strengthen internal policy and to prevent the collapse of the Lebanon-Syria alliance," said the deputy parliamentary speaker, Elie Ferzli.

Over the past few days, Washington has increased its warnings to Damascus, calling on it not to give refuge to members of the overthown Saddam Hussein regime fleeing across the border from Iraq and even criticising the Syrian military presence in Lebanon as an "occupation."

Syria, which has dominated its smaller neighbour for more than two decades, has apparently given its approval for the change of government.

"The American threats have pressed Damascus into bringing its Lebanese allies into line in order to preserve its hold through a united front," said one former minister.

According to official figures, 77 of the 1O1 deputies consulted by President Lahoud have backed Hariri as prime minister, a figure that should reach at least 88 after all 128 have had their say.

The word in political circles was that the Damascus seal of approval for Hariri continuing as premier followed hot on the heels of his resignation Tuesday night.

But the formation of a government must be agreed between Hariri and Lahoud, and their differences paralysed the outgoing cabinet. So the talks on a new line-up could be long and hard.

The doubts expressed by certain opposition figures touted to take part in the government, have cast doubt over the chances of setting up a broadly based cabinet.

Christian deputy Boutros Harb indicated after a meeting with the head of the Maronite church and spearhead of the Christian opposition, Monsignor Nasrallah Sfeir, that he was reserving his reply.

"We demand a government of national unity but if it is just a simple question of papering over the cracks, I am not interested," he said.

A former premier, Omar Karame, has already said he "refused to take part in this masquerade".

A key Christian opposition figure, Nassib Lahoud, said he would like to see a cabinet "that will set up democratic reforms and will redraw the balance in Lebanese-Syrian relations between Lebanese sovereignty and the strategic interests of both countries."

SPACE.WIRE