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Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Beirut Against Lebanon's Government


Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied in central Beirut in a massive Hezbollah-led protest against Lebanon's government.

Protesters waved the Lebanese flag and called for the ouster of pro-Western Prime Minister Fuad Siniora Friday. Protesters then began an indefinite sit-in outside the heavily-barricaded government offices, with Mr. Siniora holed up inside.

Hezbollah, a Shi'ite militant group, is demanding a new national unity government. Prime Minister Siniora has vowed to resist efforts to oust him, saying there is no way to remove a government except through parliament.

In Washington, a State Department spokesman Tom Casey said the United States is very concerned that Hezbollah and its allies, with the support of Iran and Syria, are trying to destabilize Lebanon.

The spokesman said the U.S. is committed to supporting Lebanon's democratic government and its efforts to re-establish Lebanese sovereignty.

Shi'ite support for Hezbollah increased following the 34-day war earlier this year between the militant group and Israel.

Six ministers from the Hezbollah and Amal parties quit the government in November because their demands for more power were not met.

Tensions have been high in Beirut since the November 21st assassination of anti-Syrian politician Pierre Gemayel.

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