Blair gets angry reception on Lebanese visit

Thousands of Lebanese protesters shouted angry chants and accused British Prime Minister Tony Blair of complicity in last month’s Israeli bombardment of Lebanon as he arrived today in a country still reeling from 34 days of fighting.

“Blair, you are not welcome in Lebanon,” read one banner carried by some of the roughly 5,000 protesters who were kept about half a mile from the government headquarters in Beirut where Blair held talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora and Cabinet officials.

“Blair, you are a killer, go away,” said another.

Protesters waved Lebanese flags and photos of some of the more than 850 people killed in Lebanon during the Israeli-Hezbollah that ended in mid August.

“America is the greatest Satan, and Blair is the dog of the Satan,” some protesters shouted.

Much of central Beirut was closed to traffic and about 2,000 police and soldiers were on guard, but there was no sign of trouble or violence.

Blair’s official spokesman said the British prime minister was not concerned about Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s decision to back out of their planned meeting.