Lebanon's president reappointed pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami yesterday, risking a fresh battle with the opposition which had forced the Sunni Muslim politician to quit only 10 days ago.

The attempt to form another Syrian-backed government in Lebanon coincided with intense international pressure on Damascus to release its political and military grip on its neighbour.

Syrian troops continued to move eastwards in line with a phased withdrawal plan agreed this week and Lebanon's defence minister said thousands were already flowing across the border.

Mr Karami, who had resigned amid a storm of anti-Syrian protests in Beirut, said his new mission was to form a national unity government to save Lebanon from destruction.

His previous cabinet was packed with pro-Syrian ministers.

"The only way to confront all the difficulties facing the nation is a government of national unity," Mr Karami told reporters. "If there is any procrastination in responding to this invitation, it means we're heading to destruction."

President Emile Lahoud formally asked Karami to pick a new cabinet a day after parliament, where Syria's allies have a majority, nominated him for the premiership.