Lebanon sets elections date as last Syrian troops pull out

WITH Syria's nearly three decades of military involvement over, Lebanon yesterday announced that the first round of parliamentary elections would be held May 29, two days before the deadline.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan had cautioned Lebanon on Tuesday that delaying the polls could destabilise the country.

"I can confirm that the elections will take place starting from May 29," said parliament Speaker Nabih Berri shortly before the legislature convened to grant a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Najib Mikati's new government.