Lebanese government in crisis following resignations

Lebanon's government has been thrown into deep crisis after the prime minister rejected the resignation of Cabinet ministers from Hezbollah and the allied Amal party.

The five quit after rival politicians failed to agree on a national unity coalition.

The rejection of the resignations means the five Shiite Muslim ministers are still legally part of the government, and the Cabinet of Western-backed Prime Minister Fuad Saniora remains in office.

The resignations have removed considerable political backing for the government from Shiite Muslims, the country's main sect, and make it difficult for Saniora to govern.