Sunday, October 21, 2012

Clashes Follow Funeral For Slain Anti-Syrian Official In Beirut

BEIRUT -- Lebanese soldiers fired guns and tear gas to push back hundreds of protesters who broke through a police cordon and tried to storm the government headquarters in Beirut.
The enraged crowd came from the funeral of a top Lebanese intelligence official assassinated in a massive car bombing.

The protesters blame Friday's killing on Syria -- and they consider the government in Beirut to be far too close to the regime there. Lebanon for much of the past 30 years has lived under Syrian military and political domination.
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora appealed for calm.

"The use of violence is unacceptable and does not represent the image that we want," Saniora said in a televised address. "We appreciate the feelings of the people."

Several hundred protesters made it to within 50 metres of the entrance of Lebanon's government palace, with thousands more behind them. The gunfire appeared to push the crowd back.
Army commandos marched into the streets wielding clubs.

Read more at: CTV News

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