All five Shia Muslim pro-Syrian ministers in the Lebanese government have resigned after Hezbollah’s demands to have veto power were refused. The ministers include 2 Hezbollah members and 2 from the Amal movement, Hezbollah’s allies. Tension in Lebanon has been building since this summer’s war with Israel.

In a joint statement, Hezbollah and Amal said “To pave the way for the majority to practice what it wants freely and so that we don’t cover what we are not convinced of … we announce the resignation of our representatives in the current cabinet”.

The 5 ministers were in charge of foreign affairs, agriculture, health, energy, and labor. Hezbollah has accused the Lebanese government of failing in its job. Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said he refused to accept the resignations. More than 8 ministers would need to quit for the government to fall. This move will complicate things for Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Mr Siniora could appoint five different Shia ministers but politically this would add to the growing tension in Lebanon between pro-Syrian groups and the anti-Syrian coalition that have the majority in parliament.

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