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Security tight for Beirut rally Beirut rally pulls in big crowds
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of troops and police have been deployed in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, where opposition protesters are to hold a mass rally. Tens of thousands of protesters have gathered in Lebanon's capital to press the pro-Western government to cede more power to the opposition or step down.
The demonstration by Hezbollah and its pro-Syrian allies comes on the 10th day of protests to try to force the pro-Western government out of office. The massive rally led by Hezbollah and its pro-Syrian allies is taking place on two squares in central Beirut on the 10th day of anti-government protests.
Opposition supporters are calling for a national unity government. The security forces were deployed in strength ahead of Sunday's rally.
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has vowed to stand firm against what he has called an attempted coup. Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has again vowed to stand firm against what he has called an attempted coup.
Demonstrators are waving the red, green and white flag of Lebanon, but others are also waving the yellow flag of Hezbollah emblazoned with a first holding up an AK-47.
We will stay for days, weeks or months. Whatever it takes to bring down the government Nader Hafez Protester
Lebanese army combat troops sealed off major roads around the two squares where the rally is taking place.
However there is also a heavy presence of Hezbollah security agents wearing white caps and carrying walkie-talkies, says the BBC's Kim Ghattas in Beirut.
The Hezbollah-led protests began on 1 December.
"We will stay for days, weeks or months. Whatever it takes to bring down the government," one protester, Nader Hafez, told Reuters news agency.
Government vetoGovernment veto
The opposition accuses the current government of being weak and corrupt, and says it no longer represents the Lebanese people after six pro-Syrian ministers resigned last month. The opposition accuses the government of being weak and corrupt, and says it no longer represents the Lebanese people after six pro-Syrian ministers resigned last month.
Under Lebanon's constitution, the death or resignation of another two ministers would automatically topple it. Under Lebanon's constitution, the death or resignation of another two ministers would automatically bring it down.
Mr Siniora warns any attempt to topple his government will failHezbollah has been demanding a bigger share in the cabinet that would give it the power to veto government decisions. Opposition supporters have camped out in Beirut since 1 DecemberHezbollah has been demanding a bigger share in the cabinet that would give it the power to veto government decisions.
The current cabinet 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 current cabinet 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 former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Syria was forced to withdraw its military presence after massive street protests and international pressure, triggered by the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
A UN investigation has implicated several Syrian officials in the killing, although Syria has denied any involvement.A UN investigation has implicated several Syrian officials in the killing, although Syria has denied any involvement.
The government in Beirut has also accused Damascus of ordering the assassination on 21 November of anti-Syrian cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel.The government in Beirut has also accused Damascus of ordering the assassination on 21 November of anti-Syrian cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel.
Have Your Say: Are you attending Beirut rally?Have Your Say: Are you attending Beirut rally?