Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Rashid Karami ended consultations with the country's political factions on Thursday (29 May) but he declined to say when he would form a new government to restore order.

Mr. Karami told reporters that he had sounded out politicians so the new cabinet "may be able to carry out its duty at this delicate time and fulfil the people's aim of stability and security."
He said he would brief President Suleiman Franjieh on the outcome of his consultations and they would together consider the best way to achieve the desired results.

Meantime, following the complete disruption to normal life caused by the latest fighting, an estimated 75 per cent of Beirut's work-force had returned to work on Thursday, while in the provinces the rate was close to 100 per cent.

The Prime Minister designate refused to set a date for forming a new government, saying that his concern for security and stability had priority over that of cabinet formation.

At least 90 people have died in the latest round of violence between right-wing Falangists and Palestinian commandos.