Source: VOA
A majority of Lebanese lawmakers have voted to support a candidate backed by
Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah for the country's next prime minister.
As violent protests broke out in northern Lebanon Tuesday, 68 members of the
128-seat parliament voted for Najib Mikati to replace acting Prime Minister Saad
Hariri, who received the remaining 60 votes. Mr. Mikati also served as prime
minister of Lebanon in 2005.
Thousands of Mr. Hariri's supporters gathered in Tripoli for what they had
called peaceful "day of rage" protests.
Demonstrators attacked a truck belonging to the Al Jazeera news channel and set
it on fire. Protesters also burned pictures of Mr. Mikati.
On Monday, Sunni lawmakers accused Hezbollah of carrying out a "coup" aimed at
forcing an Iranian form of religious government on the Lebanese people.
Mr. Hariri has said he will not participate in any new government led by a
Hezbollah-backed candidate.
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Hezbollah flag |
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Washington is monitoring
developments in Beirut. But Crowley added that a bigger role for Hezbollah could
complicate diplomatic ties and impact ongoing U.S. aid.
Some pro-Hariri demonstrators angry about the recent developments have used
burning tires to block roads leading into and out of the capital, Beirut.
Earlier this month, Hezbollah and its allies resigned from the coalition
government of Prime Minister Hariri, causing it to collapse.
The resignations followed tensions over a U.N.-backed investigation into the
2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri, the father of the
interim prime minister. Media reports have indicated the tribunal will indict
Hezbollah members, but the group denies having had a role in the attack.
Hezbollah's leader said Sunday the group will seek a partnership government if
its candidate wins a parliamentary majority.
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