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Huge opposition rally in Beirut | Huge opposition rally in Beirut |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Tens of thousands of supporters of the Hezbollah movement and its pro-Syrian allies have gathered in Beirut to protest against Lebanon's government. | Tens of thousands of supporters of the Hezbollah movement and its pro-Syrian allies have gathered in Beirut to protest against Lebanon's government. |
Security is tight amid fears that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's call to force out an "incapable government" could lead to violence. | |
Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun told the crowd that PM Fouad Siniora and his cabinet had to resign. | |
Mr Siniora has vowed to resist what he called an attempted coup. | |
His government has been weakened by the resignation of pro-Syrian cabinet ministers and by a recent assassination. | |
Hezbollah has been demanding a bigger share in the cabinet that would give it the power to veto government decisions. | Hezbollah has been demanding a bigger share in the cabinet that would give it the power to veto government decisions. |
We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement... to rid us of an incapable government Sheikh Hassan NasrallahHezbollah leader | |
Mr Aoun said the government was not one of national unity and so was not constitutional. | |
"I call on the prime minister and his ministers to resign," he told the cheering crowd in Beirut, many of them waving the flag of Lebanon. | |
Sheikh Nasrallah has been emboldened by a conflict with Israeli forces in the summer that destroyed many parts of southern Lebanon but failed to shatter his movement's militia. | |
Hezbollah accuses the Lebanese government of failing to support it during the conflict. | |
However, the anti-Syrian parties that have the majority in government accuse Hezbollah of serving Syrian interests in their country. | However, the anti-Syrian parties that have the majority in government accuse Hezbollah of serving Syrian interests in their country. |
'Incapable government' | 'Incapable government' |
Many supporters of Hezbollah and its allies, including the party headed by Mr Aoun, were brought to Beirut in buses for a demonstration that started at 1500 local time (1300 GMT). | |
Lebanese troops are guarding key buildings | |
Armoured vehicles and hundreds of troops have taken up positions to defend government buildings in the city, despite assurances from Sheikh Nasrallah that the protests would be peaceful. | |
According to BBC Beirut correspondent Kim Ghattas, Beirut feels like a city in a state of emergency. | |
Hezbollah has urged its supporters to keep up the protest until its demands are met. | Hezbollah has urged its supporters to keep up the protest until its demands are met. |
Mr Siniora's government has vowed to stand firm against the protests - but the death or resignation of another two ministers will automatically topple it. | Mr Siniora's government has vowed to stand firm against the protests - but the death or resignation of another two ministers will automatically topple it. |
"Lebanon's independence is threatened and its democratic system is in danger," Mr Siniora said. | "Lebanon's independence is threatened and its democratic system is in danger," Mr Siniora said. |
"We will not allow the coup against the democratic system, its rules and institutions," he said. | "We will not allow the coup against the democratic system, its rules and institutions," he said. |
Syrian troops | |
The government came to office last year in the first election held after the withdrawal of Syrian troops originally stationed in Lebanon during the civil war. | The government came to office last year in the first election held after the withdrawal of Syrian troops originally stationed in Lebanon during the civil war. |
Siniora warned any attempt to topple his government would fail | |
Syria was forced to withdraw its military presence after massive street protests and international pressure, triggered by the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. | Syria was forced to withdraw its military presence after massive street protests and international pressure, triggered by the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. |
A UN investigation has incriminated several Syrian officials in the killing - but Syria denies it is involved. | A UN investigation has incriminated several Syrian officials in the killing - but Syria denies it is involved. |
The government in Beirut also accused Damascus of ordering the assassination on 21 November of anti-Syrian cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel. | |
Friday's protest had originally been scheduled for last week but was delayed after the assassination. | Friday's protest had originally been scheduled for last week but was delayed after the assassination. |
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