Lebanon: Hizbullah intensifying protest
Opposition forces in Lebanon preparing ground for mass protest to be held Sunday in Beirut. Hizbullah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah promises protest of historical proportions, but refuses to reveal details about continuation of protest movement. Opposition officials: Disruptions expected in all institutions
Friday, Nasrallah gave an aggressive live speech on Lebanese television in order to strengthen his followers who are protesting in Beirut.
Thousands watch Nasrallah's speech on huge projectors (Photo: AP)
"I am calling for all of you to come to the protest on Monday at 3:00 p.m.," he said. Thousands of Hizbullah supporters are expected to heed their leader's call and to arrive in Beirut Monday.
Nasrallah promised that Monday's protest would be "historic," and that if his political demands aren't met, he will topple Fouad Siniora's government. Thus, it seems as though the protest will be just one link in a chain of action.
Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar, which is identified with the Shiites, quoted an opposition official who claimed that on Monday "disruptions are expected in all the institutions: Government offices, sea and airports, and in the rest of the institutions."
The newspaper added that there is a plan of action "that will include closing main roads," but it was not reported which roads this was referring to.
Tension gaining momentum
Another expression of the political crisis brewing in Lebanon arose Sunday in President Emile Lahoud's decision to support the opposition and not to authorize the Cabinet's decision to establish an international tribunal to judge those suspected in the recent assassinations in Lebanon.
Lahoud justified his decision by claiming that the government is "without any legal or constitutional value." In an announcement published by his office, it was written that the decision must be reread and reconsidered once a "legitimate government" is established in Lebanon.
Tensions surrounding President Lahoud are higher than ever because the anti-Syrian camp has been calling for his resignation for some time. This issue received much attention during slain Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel's funeral.
In the meantime, declarations in Lebanon continue to break new records, testimony to the explosive state of affairs in the country.
Lebanese Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Kabbani, after he said a few weeks ago that Nasrallah is trying to stage a coup in Lebanon, the mufti declared that he stands by Prime Minister Siniora.
"The fall of Siniora and his government will be a red line that we won't allow to be crossed," he said.
Siniora didn't remain obligated to Nasrallah after the latter accused him of treachery and collaborating with Israel during the last war. Siniora joined in claims that Hizbullah is trying to stage a coup. Even the Lebanese army rejected Nasrallah's claims and announced that it did not receive orders from Siniora to disarm Hizbullah during the last war.
