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Huge opposition rally in Beirut Huge Beirut rally demands change
(about 2 hours 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. Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Hezbollah and its pro-Syrian allies have held a mass rally 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. Amid tight security, demonstrators chanted slogans denouncing Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun told the crowd that PM Fouad Siniora and his cabinet had to resign. The opposition says it will keep up the pressure until the government resigns.
The protests follow weeks of rising tension in Lebanon, with the killing of a leading anti-Syrian politician and resignations from the cabinet.
Mr Siniora has vowed to resist what he called an attempted coup.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 We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement... to rid us of an incapable government Sheikh Hassan NasrallahHezbollah leader href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=4837&edition=1" class="">Send us your comments href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/6173322.stm" class="">Lebanon crisis explained
Mr Aoun said the government was not one of national unity and so was not constitutional. Speaking from behind a bullet-proof glass screen, Christian opposition leader Michel 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. "I call on the prime minister and his ministers to resign," he told the cheering crowd, 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 leader Sheikh Hassan 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.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).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).
Police estimated the crowd at 800,000 people, but Hezbollah said it was larger, said Associated Press news agency.
Lebanese troops are guarding key buildingsLebanese 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.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.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.
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.
"We will not allow the coup against the democratic system, its rules and institutions," he said.
Syrian troopsSyrian 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. Anti-Syrian Druze leader Walid Jumblatt told the BBC that Hezbollah was trying to block the international tribunal investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Siniora warned any attempt to topple his government would failSiniora 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. "The question is: What do they want? They only want to avoid the truth that is the international tribunal. This is the answer."
A UN investigation has incriminated several Syrian officials in the killing - but Syria denies it is involved. 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.
Syria was forced to withdraw its military presence after massive street protests and international pressure, triggered by the February 2005 assassination of Mr Hariri.
A UN investigation has implicated 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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