Lebanon in void as old president leaves palace vacant

By Jonathan Wright

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon stepped into uncharted territory on Saturday when time ran out on attempts to find a new president before President Emile Lahoud's mandate expired.

Lahoud, a pro-Syrian retired general in power for nine years, left the presidential palace vacant at midnight (10:00 p.m. British time) after parliament failed to find a successor acceptable to both sides in a bitter dispute with international ramifications.

Speaking in the palace driveway before riding off in a motorcade to his nearby private home, Lahoud said his conscience was clear and Lebanon was well.

The Lebanese must choose a consensus president quickly because the existing cabinet, which is backed by the United States and Europe, was illegitimate, he added.

"If that doesn't happen, the price for Lebanon will be high. I hope we can get there as quickly as possible," he said.

The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, says it automatically assumes the powers of the presidency until parliament agrees on a new head of state.

The United States, the United Nations, the European Union and conservative Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan are expected to recognise the cabinet's authority.

But the other side in the dispute -- an opposition alliance led by the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah, backed by Syria and Iran -- says the country no longer has any recognised executive.