The prime minister-designate of Lebanon Saad Hariri has given up attempts to form a government. The decision comes after the Hezbollah-led opposition rejected his proposed cabinet.

Mr Hariri has spent ten weeks trying to gain the support of Hezbollah following the elections in June. He says negotiations were hampered during every round.

Mr Hariri's pro-Western alliance won 71 of the 128 seats in the election, nevertheless attempts were made to involve Hezbollah in a government of national unity.

It is unclear what will happen next in Lebanon. Mr Hariri may be asked to form just a pro-Western alliance. Saad Hariri is the son of former prime minister Rafik Hariri who was killed in a car bomb in 2005.