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Huge opposition rally in Beirut
 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. 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. 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). 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. And if you can't believe Nasty, who can you believe? 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. C'mon people, you're not trying! "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. Posted by: anonymous5089 2006-12-01 |
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