Lebanese government quits following mass anti-Syria protests

WITH shouts of "Syria out," more than 25,000 flag-waving protesters massed outside parliament yesterday sweeping out Lebanon's pro-Syrian government two weeks after the assassination of a former prime minister.

Lebanese government quits after mass anti-Syria protests

By Bassem Mroue Beirut

WITH shouts of "Syria out," more than 25,000 flag-waving protesters massed outside parliament yesterday in a dramatic display of defiance that swept out Lebanon's pro-Syrian government two weeks after the assassination of a former prime minister.

Cheering broke out among the demonstrators in Martyrs' Square when they heard Prime Minister Omar Karami's announcement on loudspeakers the government was stepping down. Throughout the day, protesters handed out red roses to soldiers and police.

Many in Lebanon accuse Syria and Mr Karami's government of being behind former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's February 14 slaying and the death of 16 others in a huge bombing, pressing hard in the two weeks since his death for the government to resign and for Syria to withdraw its roughly 15,000 troops positioned in Lebanon.

"We want no other army in Lebanon except the Lebanese army," protesters chanted. Mr Karami's cabinet will continue as a caretaker government. The next step is for the president to appoint a prime minister after consulting with members of parliament. The new prime minister consults parliamentary blocs to form a cabinet that must withstand a parliamentary vote of confidence.

"Today the government fell. Tomorrow, it's the one huddled in Anjar," opposition leader Elias Atallah told the crowd to cheers, referring to the Syrian intelligence chief based in the eastern Lebanese town of Anjar. He said the opposition will continue its actions until all demands are met.

The protesters went further, immediately shouting for the resignation of pro-Syrian president Emile Lahoud. "Lahoud, your turn is coming," they said.

Others in the sea of red, white and green flags chanted, "Syria out," and "freedom, sovereignty, independence." Mr Lahoud's six- year term was renewed in September by parliament, under apparent Syrian pressure to change the constitution. A UN resolution demanded Lebanon hold presidential elections, Syrian troops pull out of Lebanon and Syria stop interfering in Lebanese affairs.

"The battle is not over. It is just beginning. We want to know who killed Prime Minister Hariri," opposition legislator Faris Saeed said, addressing the crowd.