Saniora rejects Shi'ite ministers' resignation

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora on Saturday rejected the resignation of Hizbullah and Amal Shi'ite Cabinet ministers from his government, hours after the five Shi'ite Muslim members broke away in protest. Saniora "rejects the resignation of the colleagues representing Hizbullah even if he receives the formal written resignations," a statement issued by his office. Saniora's statement indicated that he was open for dialogue to bring the Cabinet ministers back into the fold.