News In Brief

Top Lebanese leaders seek to preserve shaky Cabinet

President Amin Gemayel and his new prime minister, Rashid Karami, were making urgent contacts with rival Lebanese factions Tuesday to try to preserve a day-old ''national unity'' Cabinet, officials said.

The proposed Cabinet - which would consist of five Muslims and five Christians - appeared in jeopardy almost as soon as it was proclaimed Monday night when Shiite Muslim opposition leader Nabih Berri refused to serve in it.

In announcing the new Cabinet, Mr. Karami, a pro-Syrian Sunni Muslim, said none of the ministers were consulted in advance. ''The situation is so delicate that no delay could be afforded."