Hariri Supporters Call for ‘Day of Rage’ in Lebanon
24 January 2011 VOA News Supporters of Lebanon's acting Prime Minister Saad Hariri are calling for a peaceful “day of rage” protest on Tuesday, after the Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah's candidate for prime minister secured the majority-backing from parliament needed to lead a new government.
Sunni lawmakers Monday accused Hezbollah of carrying out a “coup” aimed at forcing an Iranian form of religious government on the Lebanese people.
Former prime minister Najib Mikati was set to
The development comes shortly after Mr. Hariri said he will not participate in any new government led by a Hezbollah-backed candidate.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Washington is monitoring developments in Beirut. But Crowley added that a bigger role for Hezbollah could complicate diplomatic ties and impact ongoing U.S. aid.
Some pro-Hariri demonstrators angry about the recent developments have used burning tires to block roads leading into and out of the capital, Beirut.
Schools in Lebanon will be closed Tuesday for fear that violence could spread during protests.
Earlier this month, Hezbollah and its allies resigned from the coalition government of Prime Minister Hariri, causing it to collapse.
The resignations followed tensions over a United Nations-backed investigation into the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri, the father of the interim prime minister. Media reports have indicated the tribunal will indict Hezbollah members, but the group denies having had a role in the attack.
Hezbollah's leader said Sunday the group will seek a partnership government if its candidate wins a parliamentary majority.
Hassan Nasrallah also said his group does not want to exclude any political party from the next government's Cabinet.
News reports had said Hezbollah intended to back former prime minister Omar Karami. The choice was not popular with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, who threw his support to Mr. Hariri while describing Mr. Karami as “corrupt.”