Lebanon: Hundreds protest against sectarianism

Written by Sandeep Nehra

Hundreds of people demonstrated on Sunday in Beirut against the confessional system in Lebanon, calling youth groups on Facebook.

“The revolution is everywhere Lebanon, it’s your turn!” Chanted the demonstrators, mostly youths, referring to the revolts that shook the Arab world.

Echoing the mantra of the uprisings that shook Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, “the people want to bring down the regime,” they walked in the pouring rain on the streets of Beirut to the courthouse, framed by the police and the army.

Some soldiers looked on with amusement, others took their picture.

More than 2,600 people had announced their participation in the march, but it seems the rain has deterred many activists.

“Go Lebanese, you rebel against sectarianism”, “We want a civil state,” “Confessional… Continue reading...

Lebanon: Hariri camp Mikati calls for a commitment of TSL

Written by Sandeep Nehra

The incumbent Prime Minister Saad Hariri called on Thursday at his successor Najib Mikati, seconded by Hezbollah, a clear commitment to the UN tribunal, apple of discord in the country, the first day of consultations for the formation of a new cabinet.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati designated and former Prime Minister Hariri, January 27, 2011 in Beirut

The standoff around the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) to try those responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Saad’s father, caused… Continue reading...

Lebanon’s new Prime Minister Mikati is tasked with forming cabinet

Written by Sandeep Nehra

Backed by the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah , the Sunni billionaire Najib Mikati was charged on Tuesday in forming a government in Lebanon, an appointment denounced by rival Saad Hariri, whose thousands of supporters have expressed sometimes violently throughout the country.

Supporters of former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, January 25, 2011 in Beirut

After being appointed by presidential decree, Mr. Mikati landed reconciliation: the appointment “is not a victory of one camp over another. It is the victory of reconciliation,” said the magnate Telecoms 55.

In an interview with AFP… Continue reading...