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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" may lead to violence. Security is tight amid fears that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's call to force out an "incapable government" could lead to violence.
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has vowed to resist the attempted "coup". Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun told the crowd that PM Fouad Siniora and his cabinet had to resign.
His government has been weakened by assassination and by the resignation of pro-Syrian cabinet ministers. 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.
Mr 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. We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement... to rid us of an incapable government Sheikh Hassan NasrallahHezbollah leader
We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement... to rid us of an incapable government Hassan Nasrallah Mr Aoun said the government was not one of national unity and so was not constitutional.
Hezbollah accuses the government of failing to support it during the conflict. "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 Christian leader Michel Aoun, were brought to Beirut in buses for a demonstration that started at 1500 local time (1300 GMT). 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).
Siniora warned any attempt to topple his government will fail Lebanese troops are guarding key buildings
At a square in the centre of the city, they chanted slogans against the government and waved Lebanese flags. 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.
Armoured vehicles and hundreds of troops have taken up positions to defend government buildings in the city, despite assurances from Mr Nasrallah that the protests would be peaceful. According to BBC Beirut correspondent Kim Ghattas, Beirut feels like a city in a state of emergency.
According to the BBC's 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 proven it is incompetent and has failed to fulfil its promises and achieve anything significant," Mr Nasrallah has said.
"We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement, to take part in a peaceful and civilised demonstration on Friday to rid us of an incapable government," he said.
Street protests
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. 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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