Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Protests Turn Violent for 2nd Day in Lebanon's Capital

Associated Press

   BEIRUT - Lebanese security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and
   water cannons Sunday to disperse hundreds of protesters for a second
   straight day, ending what started as a peaceful rally in defiance of
   the toughest crackdown on anti-government demonstrations in two months.
   The violence comes on the eve of a meeting between the president and
   parliamentary blocs in which resigned Prime Minister Saad Hariri is
   widely expected to be renamed to the post. The tension also reflects
   deepening divisions in the country that is grappling with a severe
   liquidity and foreign currency crunch.
   Hariri resigned Oct. 29 amid nationwide protests that have accused the
   entire political elite of corruption and mismanagement amid Lebanon's
   worst economic crisis in decades. The protesters say they won't accept
   Hariri as prime minister, demanding an independent head of government
   not affiliated with existing parties.
   "Saad, Saad, Saad, don't dream of it anymore," protesters chanted
   Sunday.
   After weeks of bickering, the political parties failed to put forward
   independent names, most of them insisting on keeping their political
   share in the government.

.