Anti-Syrian politician assassinated in Beirut

A BOMB killed an anti-Syrian politician yesterday in Beirut - the second such assassination in three weeks.

The killing of George Hawi, 67, has fuelled opposition fears that Damascus and its Lebanese allies are hitting their enemies in a bid to restore their fading authority.

Former Communist Party leader Mr Hawi was killed by an explosion under his seat as he was being driven through west Beirut. It came as the anti-Syrian opposition was preparing to take power after winning a parliamentary majority in the staggered elections that ended on Sunday.