Sayyed Nasrallah call for mass popular demonstration

We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement, to take part in a peaceful and civilized demonstration Friday to rid us of an incapable government Al Manar reports,

"The Lebanese opposition called for mass demonstrations Friday in support of its demands for government of national unity but the pro-Western cabinet swiftly rejected the move. 'The opposition forces, on the basis of their constitutional rights, call on all Lebanese, whatever their religious confession, to demonstrate peacefully in an open-ended sit-in from 3 pm Friday for a national unity government,' said an opposition statement. 'The opposition forces appeal to demonstrators to brandish only the Lebanese flag and authorized slogans,' the statement added.

Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah called for a massive turnout. 'We appeal to all Lebanese, from every region and political movement, to take part in a peaceful and civilized demonstration Friday to rid us of an incapable government that has failed in its mission,' he said in a television broadcast.

But Communications Minister Marwan Hmedeh said that his unconstitutional government had no intention of giving in to pressure from the street. The opposition factions had threatened to take to the streets last week but postponed their plans after the November 21 assassination of anti-Syrian industry minister Pierre Gemayel. As well as Hezbollah, the opposition factions include the Amal Movement of parliament speaker Nabih Berri, the Free Patriotic Movement of MP General Miche Aoun, the Marada Party of former Minister Suleiman Franjiyeh, the Lebanese Democratic Party of former Minister Talal Erslan, the Syrian Nationalist Socialist Party, the People's Party of former MP Najah Wakim, the Islamic Front of cleric Fathi Yakan and many other powers and former leaders.

Lebanese Army Commander Michel Suleiman ordered his troops to be fully prepared to fulfill their role of 'protecting freedom of expression and preventing riots and attacks on public and private property.' Suleiman ordered soldiers to 'keep the same distance from everyone and safeguard the security of all citizens, including the pro-and anti-government parties.'"