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Protesters set up camp in Beirut Protesters set up camp in Beirut
(about 3 hours later)
Thousand of supporters of Hezbollah and its pro-Syrian allies in Lebanon have spent the night camped out in Beirut, to protest against the government.Thousand of supporters of Hezbollah and its pro-Syrian allies in Lebanon have spent the night camped out in Beirut, to protest against the government.
Demonstrators slept in tents outside the office of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who they say is hostile to Syria and must resign.Demonstrators slept in tents outside the office of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who they say is hostile to Syria and must resign.
Hezbollah supporters staged a mass rally in Beirut on Friday.Hezbollah supporters staged a mass rally in Beirut on Friday.
Lebanon's government has been weakened by resignations and the assassination of a leading anti-Syrian politician.Lebanon's government has been weakened by resignations and the assassination of a leading anti-Syrian politician.
The opposition says it will keep up the pressure until the government steps down.The opposition says it will keep up the pressure until the government steps down.
Digging-inDigging-in
Protesters pitched tents in central Beirut, on streets leading to the government's headquarters.Protesters pitched tents in central Beirut, on streets leading to the government's headquarters.
Camps were set up close to the prime minister's office We have more surprises other than the protest today Ali Ammar, Hezbollah MP
The BBC's Kim Ghattas in Beirut says there is no sign that either side is giving up.
The demonstrators brought their water pipes, small radios and even musical instruments for entertainment.
Amid tight security, loudspeakers blared slogans denouncing Mr Siniora.Amid tight security, loudspeakers blared slogans denouncing Mr Siniora.
Soldiers cordoned off the office complex with barbed wire and armoured vehicles.Soldiers cordoned off the office complex with barbed wire and armoured vehicles.
Demonstrators had earlier temporarily blocked all roads leading to the prime minister's office, although the blockade eased after contacts between opposition leaders and Arab diplomats, reports say. Demonstrators had earlier temporarily blocked all roads leading to the prime minister's office, although the blockade eased after a flurry of late-night diplomacy.
Surprise moves
The opposition has now promised to carry out more surprise moves to bring down the cabinet.
We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement... to rid us of an incapable government Sheikh Hassan NasrallahHezbollah leader Send us your comments Lebanon crisis explained
A Hezbollah member of parliament Ali Ammar said: "We won't leave these squares until this authority complies with the will of the majority of the people - most of whom want to escape this crisis and form a unity government."
Mr Siniora has said he will not be forced from office by mass protests.Mr Siniora has said he will not be forced from office by mass protests.
His government has vowed to stand firm against what he has called an attempted coup.His government has vowed to stand firm against what he has called an attempted coup.
"Lebanon's independence is threatened and its democratic system is in danger," he said on Thursday."Lebanon's independence is threatened and its democratic system is in danger," he said on Thursday.
'Attempted coup' The US denounced what it described as "threats of intimidation violence" in Lebanon.
The United States denounced what it described as "threats of intimidation violence" in Lebanon. Demonstrators waved red and white Lebanese flagsA state department spokesman, Tom Casey, accused Syria and Iran of instigating the protests which he said were aimed at toppling the democratically elected government.
We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement... to rid us of an incapable government Sheikh Hassan NasrallahHezbollah leader Send us your comments Lebanon crisis explained
A state department spokesman, Tom Casey, accused Syria and Iran of instigating the protests which he said were aimed at toppling the democratically elected government.
US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton called the Hezbollah demonstration "part of the Iran-Syria inspired coup".US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton called the Hezbollah demonstration "part of the Iran-Syria inspired coup".
Under Lebanon's constitution, the death or resignation of another two ministers will automatically topple it.Under Lebanon's constitution, the death or resignation of another two ministers will automatically topple it.
During Friday afternoon, the huge crowd listened to Hezbollah songs and speeches.During Friday afternoon, the huge crowd listened to Hezbollah songs and speeches.
Police estimated its size at 800,000 people, but Hezbollah claimed it was larger.Police estimated its size at 800,000 people, but Hezbollah claimed it was larger.
Speaking from behind a bullet-proof glass screen, Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun told cheering supporters that the government was unconstitutional and should resign.Speaking from behind a bullet-proof glass screen, Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun told cheering supporters that the government was unconstitutional and should resign.
He said they had "made corruption a daily affair".He said they had "made corruption a daily affair".
'Syrian troops''Syrian troops'
Hezbollah has been demanding a bigger share in the cabinet that would give it the power to veto government decisions.Hezbollah has been demanding a bigger share in the cabinet that would give it the power to veto government decisions.
Mr Siniora warned any attempt to topple his government would failThe government came to office last year in the first election held after the withdrawal of Syrian troops originally stationed in Lebanon during the civil war.Mr Siniora warned any attempt to topple his government would failThe government came to office last year in the first election held after the withdrawal of Syrian troops originally stationed in Lebanon during the civil war.
Syria was forced to withdraw its military presence after massive street protests and international pressure, triggered by the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.Syria was forced to withdraw its military presence after massive street protests and international pressure, triggered by the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
A UN investigation has implicated several Syrian officials in the killing, although Syria has denied any involvement.A UN investigation has implicated several Syrian officials in the killing, although Syria has denied any involvement.
The government in Beirut has also accused Damascus of ordering the assassination on 21 November of anti-Syrian cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel.The government in Beirut has also accused Damascus of ordering the assassination on 21 November of anti-Syrian cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel.