BEIRUT - Lebanese Army commander said he will resign if a resident approved by all political parties was not elected.

Lebanon daily Assafir paper said Army Commander General Michel Suleiman told some diplomats and associates he will submit his resignation on November 24 as the term of President Emil Lahoud ends unless political leaderships agree on a solution to end the current political crisis.

It quoted sources in turn quoting Suleiman saying he will not stay in his post if he was not able to safeguard the unity of Lebanon.

He called and urged Lebanese political leaders to make compromises towards that end.
Opposition forces in the country say a government of national unity must be formed before the new leadership is elected, September 25.

Due to the volatile political situation, some fear that the opposition supports forming a new government with the purpose of hindering the elections.