Lebanon opposition renews protest

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Hundreds of people have joined a protest in Beirut highlighting opposition to the government's new economic reform programme.

The protest called by the main labour union confederation and backed by the Hezbollah led-opposition took place outside the government's VAT office.

Hundreds of soldiers and police had cordoned off the building.

Unions have rejected tax increases, as well as proposed fuel price increases and privatisation.

It is also demanding wage increases for low-income employees.

Opponents of the western-backed government have camped out in central Beirut since 1 December effectively shutting down the city's commercial heart.

Correspondents say the standoff is Lebanon's worst political crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.

"The first thing we want is a clean government," said demonstrator Ralph Khoury, adding that he had slept for 12 nights under canvas during the opposition campaign.

"We're definitely tired, but our determination is strong," he said.

The government says the reforms are necessary to encourage economic growth and ease Lebanon's $41bn debt burden.