Lebanon government quits

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s prime minister and his entire Cabinet resigned yesterday, satisfying a demand by tens of thousands of protesters, whose ranks swelled in a public push for democracy that is unprecedented in the Arab world.

Waving flags and cheering as the resignation was announced, the demonstrators also demanded that Syria end its occupation by withdrawing its troops and agents, who oversee decisions by Lebanese government officials.

A tent city near the tomb of assassinated former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri continued to expand yesterday, mirroring recent protests that ushered in a democratically elected, pro-Western government in Ukraine.

“I love America. Tell Bush to come here. Thank him, thank [French President Jacques] Chirac. This is a great day for all Arab people,” said an Arab Christian named Sady.

“Americans are welcome. We need them,” said a demonstrator named Paul, a member of the Lebanese Forces, a Christian militia.

When told that U.S. troops were not likely to come, Paul said: “Well, then we need the French. We need NATO. We need help to clear our country of these dogs.”

Prime Minister Omar Karami announced his government’s resignation in a message relayed by loudspeakers to a crowd of about 25,000 at Beirut’s Martyrs Square.

Cheers erupted and protesters began handing out red roses to soldiers and police.

When Lebanese soldiers came near, the crowd chanted to them in Arabic: “We need only one army, and it’s you,” a reference protesting the 15,000 Syrian troops stationed in Lebanon.

In Washington, the White House praised the resignation of Mr. Karami’s government, saying it opens the door for new elections “free of all foreign interference,” referring to neighboring Syria.

“We are closely watching developments with great interest,” said White House spokesman Scott McClellan. “The resignation of the Karami government represents an opportunity for the Lebanese people to have a new government that is truly representative of their country’s diversity.”

When pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud appeared on two giant TV screens set up in Martyrs Square, the crowd chanted, “Your turn is next, your turn is next.”

Mr. Lahoud is especially unpopular because Syria forced through a constitutional change last year that added three years to his term in office.

“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. Mr. Atallah said the opposition will continue its actions until all demands are met.

Demonstrators came from across Lebanon’s sectarian divide.

Story Continues →