| It's al-Jiz, so lots of salt. Just the highlights, but the kookiness of Lebanon is on full display at the article. |
BEIRUT (Al-Jiz). About five people were killed and many more wounded on Thursday after soldiers opened fire in Beirut during protests against soaring fuel prices. Another 17 people, including an army major and four soldiers, were hurt in clashes between the army and demonstrators, medics and witnesses said Thursday.
After the deadly incidents, the CGTL issued a statement calling on "workers, drivers and all those taking part in the general strike to end their demonstrations and maintain the civilized and peaceful aspect of their protest." The CGTL had called for sit-ins in major cities to protest government fiscal policies and petrol prices, which they want cut from about 17 dollars per 20 liters (5.3 gallons) to some 10 dollars. Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri has urged senior officials to investigate why gas stations have failed to comply with last week's cabinet decision to cut the price for 20 liters by about 1.30 dollars.
On Thursday, Hariri cut short his trip to Syria after a meeting there with President Bashar al-Assad, whose country is the main power broker in Lebanon. |