Lebanese rescuers treated more than 300 people for injuries during hours of clashes between security forces and protesters that rocked central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-nissan-boss-ghosn-says-french-envoy-warned-about-nissan-turning-against-him-274341">Beirut</a> on Saturday night.

<img alt="Fireworks are set off in front of police officers standing in position behind riot shields during the protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dacbb317-b37f-496c-947f-940928c4b91e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Fireworks are set off in front of police officers standing in position behind riot shields during the protest (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

It was the highest toll in some of the most intense violence since largely peaceful protests erupted across the country in October. As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prince-harry-draws-attention-to-2021-rugby-league-world-cup-274856">Lebanon</a>&nbsp;sinks deeper into its worst economic crisis in decades, anger has boiled over at a ruling elite dominating the country since the 1975-1990 civil war.

Watch: Fire engulfed in protester's camps in clash between security forces, protesters

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The Lebanese Red Cross said it had treated 220 people who were wounded on both sides on Saturday night, taking 80 of them to hospital. The Civil Defence said it had helped 114 others.

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FINAL UPDATE: 18 ambulances, 80 EMTs and 6 dispatchers from the LRC responded to the protests in downtown Beirut. Over 80 victims have been transported to nearby hospitals and over 140 injured were treated at the scene. LRC teams are still on standby and ready to respond. <a href="https://t.co/p1OG7WFqwl">pic.twitter.com/p1OG7WFqwl</a>
— Lebanese Red Cross (@RedCrossLebanon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedCrossLebanon/status/1218619286190809088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Smoke enveloped a commercial district of the capital as security forces fired volleys of tear gas and unleashed water cannons. Riot police chased after men and women near&nbsp;Lebanon's parliament late into the night.

<img alt="A riot police kicks a tear gas canister during a protest against a ruling elite" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84a7e4d3-2ccc-47f6-a34d-806c20c3f42c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2837%29_3.jpg" /> 
[ A riot police kicks a tear gas canister during a protest against a ruling elite (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Protesters, with their faces covered, hurled stones, steel barriers and flower pots. They ripped branches off trees and signposts off the ground, charging at riot police.

In three months of protests, which have gripped the country and pushed Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/consultations-to-name-lebanese-pm-delayed-until-thursday-268534">Saad Hariri</a> to quit, politicians wrangling over cabinet seats have failed to agree on a new government or a rescue plan.

Meanwhile, the crisis is biting: the Lebanese pound has lost nearly half its value, dollar shortages have driven up prices and confidence in the banking system has collapsed.

Lebanese rescuers treated more than 300 people for injuries during hours of clashes between security forces and protesters that rocked central Beirut on Saturday night.

Lebanese rescuers treated more than 300 people for injuries during hours of clashes between security forces and protesters that rocked central Beirut on Saturday night. [ Fireworks are set off in front of police officers standing in position behind riot shields during the protest (Courtesy: Reuters) ] It was the highest toll in some of the most intense violence since largely peaceful protests erupted across the country in October. As Lebanon sinks deeper into its worst economic crisis in decades, anger has boiled over at a ruling elite dominating the country since the 1975-1990 civil war. Watch: Fire engulfed in protester's camps in clash between security forces, protesters The Lebanese Red Cross said it had treated 220 people who were wounded on both sides on Saturday night, taking 80 of them to hospital. The Civil Defence said it had helped 114 others. FINAL UPDATE: 18 ambulances, 80 EMTs and 6 dispatchers from the LRC responded to the protests in downtown Beirut. Over 80 victims have been transported to nearby hospitals and over 140 injured were treated at the scene. LRC teams are still on standby and ready to respond. pic.twitter.com/p1OG7WFqwl — Lebanese Red Cross (@RedCrossLebanon) January 18, 2020 × Smoke enveloped a commercial district of the capital as security forces fired volleys of tear gas and unleashed water cannons. Riot police chased after men and women near Lebanon's parliament late into the night. [ A riot police kicks a tear gas canister during a protest against a ruling elite (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Protesters, with their faces covered, hurled stones, steel barriers and flower pots. They ripped branches off trees and signposts off the ground, charging at riot police. In three months of protests, which have gripped the country and pushed Prime Minister Saad Hariri to quit, politicians wrangling over cabinet seats have failed to agree on a new government or a rescue plan. Meanwhile, the crisis is biting: the Lebanese pound has lost nearly half its value, dollar shortages have driven up prices and confidence in the banking system has collapsed.

Over 300 people wounded in Beirut protest clashes: Lebanese Red Cross

Former-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday made his first public appearance at a press conference in Beirut since skipping bail in Japan.

"I am not here to talk about how I fled Japan," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon?&nbsp;</a>

Attacking Japan’s justice system Ghosn said that I have been a victim of injustice, political persecution and 'ripped' from friends, family.

Ghosn said that he is 'ready to stay a long time' in Lebanon'.

Talking about the 'plot' to oust him he said that he does not believe that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was involved in anything like that.

"The collusion between Nissan and prosecutors is everywhere," Ghosn said, claiming his arrest in Japan was "staged".

"There was no way I was going to be treated fairly ... this was not about justice. I felt I was a hostage of the country that I have served for 17 years," he said.

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month.&nbsp;

Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers.

Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan.

The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday made his first public appearance at a press conference in Beirut since skipping bail in Japan. "I am not here to talk about how I fled Japan," he said.

Former-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn on Wednesday made his first public appearance at a press conference in Beirut since skipping bail in Japan. "I am not here to talk about how I fled Japan," he said. Also read: 'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon? Attacking Japan’s justice system Ghosn said that I have been a victim of injustice, political persecution and 'ripped' from friends, family. Ghosn said that he is 'ready to stay a long time' in Lebanon'. Talking about the 'plot' to oust him he said that he does not believe that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was involved in anything like that. "The collusion between Nissan and prosecutors is everywhere," Ghosn said, claiming his arrest in Japan was "staged". "There was no way I was going to be treated fairly ... this was not about justice. I felt I was a hostage of the country that I have served for 17 years," he said. Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month. Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers. Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan. The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges. (With inputs from agencies)

There was no way I was going to be treated fairly: Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's <a href="http://wionews.com/world/japan-to-seek-help-from-lebanon-over-fugitive-carlos-ghosn-272709">mysterious escape from Japan</a> to Lebanon last month.&nbsp;

Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case.&nbsp;

Mrs Ghosn told a French newspaper that she was in Beirut with her children for Christmas when she received a call about her husband's escape which she described as the best surprise "in all my life!"&nbsp;

"Fleeing was the only possible choice as he saw his trial being postponed indefinitely and he was being detained in conditions that deprived him of his rights with the aim of dehumanising him," she said as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-how-did-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-escape-to-lebanon-271401">'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon?&nbsp;</a>

She alleged that her husband is a victim of an "industrial plot and the war between Renault and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosns-escape-extremely-regrettable-nissan-272597">Nissan</a>", adding that he cannot plead guilty for something that he did not do.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Carlos Ghosn is expected to hold a press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday. This will be the first time when Ghosn will be holding a public conference after fleeing from Japan where he is facing trial.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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"I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said after landing in Beirut.&nbsp;

Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month.&nbsp;

Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers.

Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan.

The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.&nbsp;

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month. Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case.

Carole Ghosn, former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's wife, has said that she did not know about her husband's mysterious escape from Japan to Lebanon last month. Carole remarks came after Japanese prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against her in the case. Mrs Ghosn told a French newspaper that she was in Beirut with her children for Christmas when she received a call about her husband's escape which she described as the best surprise "in all my life!" "Fleeing was the only possible choice as he saw his trial being postponed indefinitely and he was being detained in conditions that deprived him of his rights with the aim of dehumanising him," she said as reported by news agency AFP. Also read: 'Unexpected surprise' - How did Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon? She alleged that her husband is a victim of an "industrial plot and the war between Renault and Nissan", adding that he cannot plead guilty for something that he did not do. Meanwhile, Carlos Ghosn is expected to hold a press conference in Lebanon on Wednesday. This will be the first time when Ghosn will be holding a public conference after fleeing from Japan where he is facing trial. × "I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week," Ghosn said after landing in Beirut. Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn stunned the world with his surprise escape to Lebanon last month. Ghosn, while awaiting trial, eluded media and authorities to escape to Lebanon when, as per his lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, all three of his passports were in possession of the lawyers. Ghosn is unlikely to be forced to return to Japan in the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan. The former auto executive was initially arrested in Tokyo in November 2018. He faces four charges which include hiding income and enriching himself through payments to Middle East dealerships. Ghosn denies all charges.

Wasn't aware of anything: Carlos Ghosn's wife after Japanese authorities issue arrest warrant for her

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-wont-extradite-ghosn-if-he-arrives-in-country-government-271678">Nissan</a> boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-tighten-immigration-procedures-after-ghosn-flees-country-272192">Carlos Ghosn</a> jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies.

The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions.

Citing people involved in the investigation,&nbsp;Nippon Television Network&nbsp;(NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29.

He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said.

He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fugitive-carlos-ghosn-to-be-summoned-by-lebanese-judiciary-official-271961">Beirut</a>.

Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29.

But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery.

The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan.

"It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday.

"I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin.

The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghosn-used-our-jets-illegally-in-escape-from-japan-turkish-company-says-271956">Turkey</a> as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe.

Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets.&nbsp;

"Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters.

"The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets.

Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents

A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters.

Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter."

Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape.

New reports emerged Monday on how fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn jumped bail in Japan, as the country's justice minister said border controls would be bolstered after the escape. The 65-year-old executive skipped bail nearly a week ago, fleeing Japan where he was awaiting trial on multiple counts of financial misconduct that he denies. The details of his escape remain spotty, with Japan saying it is still investigating how he slipped past strict security measures imposed as part of his bail conditions. Citing people involved in the investigation, Nippon Television Network (NTV) said Monday that Ghosn boarded a "shinkansen" bullet train from Tokyo's Shinagawa station on December 29. He got off at a station in western Osaka, arriving around 7:30 pm and taking a taxi to a hotel near Kansai Airport, NTV said. He is thought to have taken a private jet the same day from the airport, bound for Istanbul, where he switched planes and continued to Beirut. Last week, local media reported Ghosn was caught on security camera leaving his Tokyo home by himself around noon on December 29. But the exact circumstances of his departure from Japan are still shrouded in mystery. The justice ministry said it did not have records of Ghosn departing Japan. "It is believed that he used some wrongful methods to illegally leave the country," Justice Minister Masako Mori said at a press conference on Monday. "I have instructed the immigration agency to further tighten the departure process," she added. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Ghosn was loaded onto the flight from Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin. The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in Turkey as saying that holes had been drilled into the bottom of the container to ensure the businessman could breathe. Japan's transport ministry told reporters that luggage checks are not mandatory for private jets. "Operators of private jets decide if luggage checks are necessary or not while airline operators are obliged to conduct security checks under Japan's aviation law," a ministry official told reporters. "The security checks are carried out to prevent danger such as bombs, and to prevent hijacks," he said, adding such risks are considered less likely for private jets. Ghosn, who has French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, was able to enter Lebanon on a French passport, according to airport documents A court in Tokyo had allowed Ghosn to keep a second French passport as he needed one to travel inside Japan, a source close to the matter has told reporters. Japan has launched a probe into the humiliating security lapse and prosecutors said they would "coordinate with the relevant agencies to swiftly and appropriately investigate the matter." Ghosn has vowed to give his own account at a hotly awaited press conference in Beirut this week.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn reportedly escaped Tokyo on public bullet train

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirmed on Tuesday that he is in Lebanon and would now no longer be held hostage by a a rigged "Japanese justice system".&nbsp;

"I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied," Ghosn said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/one-year-after-arrest-ghosn-seeks-to-throw-out-case-against-him-262666">One year after arrest, Ghosn seeks to throw out case against him</a>

Former Nissan chief was seen in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Monday, raising questions about how one of the world's most prominent businessmen left Japan before his trial.&nbsp;

It was reported that Ghosn holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese passports.&nbsp;

A Lebanese security source said that Ghosn arrived in Beirut Monday, adding: "It's unclear how he left Japan."

Another source said that Ghosn will come up with a statement soon.&nbsp;

The former Nissan president is facing a trial in Japan for multiple charges of financial misconduct and is currently on bail.&nbsp;

Ghosn and his lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns of the impossibility of a fair trial in Japan and have called for the rejection of the case, citing mis-steps by the prosecutors' office.&nbsp;

"Carlos Ghosn is not looking to flee his responsibilities, but he's fleeing the injustice of the Japanese system," a source closely involved with the case said.&nbsp;

As per reports from Lebanese media, Ghosn took a private plane from Turkey to reach Lebanon, where his parents were born and where he spent most of his childhood after arriving there as a toddler.&nbsp;

Ghosn's lawyers declined to comment on Ghosn's arrival to Beirut.&nbsp;

Japan's justice ministry said that the country does not have an extradition agreement with Lebanon, which means Ghosn could not be forced to return to Tokyo to face trial.

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirmed on Tuesday that he is in Lebanon and would now no longer be held hostage by a a rigged "Japanese justice system". "I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied," Ghosn said in a statement.

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirmed on Tuesday that he is in Lebanon and would now no longer be held hostage by a a rigged "Japanese justice system". "I am now in Lebanon and will no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied," Ghosn said in a statement. Also read: One year after arrest, Ghosn seeks to throw out case against him Former Nissan chief was seen in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Monday, raising questions about how one of the world's most prominent businessmen left Japan before his trial. It was reported that Ghosn holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese passports. A Lebanese security source said that Ghosn arrived in Beirut Monday, adding: "It's unclear how he left Japan." Another source said that Ghosn will come up with a statement soon. The former Nissan president is facing a trial in Japan for multiple charges of financial misconduct and is currently on bail. Ghosn and his lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns of the impossibility of a fair trial in Japan and have called for the rejection of the case, citing mis-steps by the prosecutors' office. "Carlos Ghosn is not looking to flee his responsibilities, but he's fleeing the injustice of the Japanese system," a source closely involved with the case said. As per reports from Lebanese media, Ghosn took a private plane from Turkey to reach Lebanon, where his parents were born and where he spent most of his childhood after arriving there as a toddler. Ghosn's lawyers declined to comment on Ghosn's arrival to Beirut. Japan's justice ministry said that the country does not have an extradition agreement with Lebanon, which means Ghosn could not be forced to return to Tokyo to face trial. (with inputs from agencies)

Ousted Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn confirms he is in Lebanon

Lebanon's new prime minister-designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-back-on-streets-to-protest-against-newly-named-prime-minister-hassan-diab-269294">Hassan Diab</a> said in an interview with Deutsche Welle he will work on forming a government within six weeks to help pull the country out of a deepening economic and political crisis.

Diab, an academic and former education minister, was designated on Thursday as the country's next prime minister with the support of Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies.

"Previous governments in the last decade took a year to form and I seek to form a government in the next four weeks or a period that does not exceed six weeks," Diab said.

The designation set the stage for a cabinet that excludes allies of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-two-iranian-judges-for-overseeing-iranian-regimes-miscarriage-of-justice-269258">United States</a> and Sunni Gulf Arab countries while underlining the influence of Iran's friends in&nbsp;Lebanon. The move would complicate efforts to secure Western financial aid, analysts say.

Senior US&nbsp;State Department official David Hale, who arrived on Friday to underline Washington's support for&nbsp;Lebanon's stability, urged the country's bickering political leaders to implement speedy economic reforms.

"I am here to encourage Lebanese political leaders to commit and undertake meaningful, sustained reforms that can lead to a stable, prosperous, secure&nbsp;Lebanon," Under-Secretary David Hale said after meeting President Michel Aoun at&nbsp;Lebanon's Baabda palace.

"It's time to put aside partisan interests and act in the national interest, advancing reforms and form a government committed to undertaking these reforms and capable of doing so," Hale added.

Lebanon, in its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, has been seeking a new government since Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on October&nbsp;29 in response to protests against the ruling elite.

Diab, who failed to get the support of Hariri under a sectarian political system that leaves the post of the premier to a Sunni Muslim, dismissed accusations that the government would be under the thumb of Hezbollah. Hariri is the country's main Sunni politician.

"This matter is silly because the new government will not be a government of a political grouping chosen from here or there," Diab added.

Lebanon's new prime minister-designate Hassan Diab said in an interview with Deutsche Welle he will work on forming a government within six weeks to help pull the country out of a deepening economic and political crisis.

Lebanon's new prime minister-designate Hassan Diab said in an interview with Deutsche Welle he will work on forming a government within six weeks to help pull the country out of a deepening economic and political crisis. Diab, an academic and former education minister, was designated on Thursday as the country's next prime minister with the support of Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies. "Previous governments in the last decade took a year to form and I seek to form a government in the next four weeks or a period that does not exceed six weeks," Diab said. The designation set the stage for a cabinet that excludes allies of the United States and Sunni Gulf Arab countries while underlining the influence of Iran's friends in Lebanon. The move would complicate efforts to secure Western financial aid, analysts say. Senior US State Department official David Hale, who arrived on Friday to underline Washington's support for Lebanon's stability, urged the country's bickering political leaders to implement speedy economic reforms. "I am here to encourage Lebanese political leaders to commit and undertake meaningful, sustained reforms that can lead to a stable, prosperous, secure Lebanon," Under-Secretary David Hale said after meeting President Michel Aoun at Lebanon's Baabda palace. "It's time to put aside partisan interests and act in the national interest, advancing reforms and form a government committed to undertaking these reforms and capable of doing so," Hale added. Lebanon, in its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, has been seeking a new government since Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on October 29 in response to protests against the ruling elite. Diab, who failed to get the support of Hariri under a sectarian political system that leaves the post of the premier to a Sunni Muslim, dismissed accusations that the government would be under the thumb of Hezbollah. Hariri is the country's main Sunni politician. "This matter is silly because the new government will not be a government of a political grouping chosen from here or there," Diab added.

Lebanon's new PM aims to form government within six weeks: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-police-clash-with-anti-government-protesters-268354">Lebanese</a>&nbsp;troops lobbed tear gas on Tuesday to disperse&nbsp;supporters&nbsp;of Shi'ite groups&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;and&nbsp;Amal&nbsp;who tried to storm a square in&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;in response to a video that purportedly offended Shi'ite figures, witnesses and media reports said.

Hundreds of youths on motorcycles waving their party and religious flags gathered in downtown&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;chanting "Shi'ites, Shi'ites" and setting fire to tires. They hurled stones and fireworks at security forces standing nearby, witnesses said.

Ignoring calls for restraint by politicians, the youths tried to break a security cordon to storm the square where demonstrators have set up tents as part of an anti-government protest that has been going on for weeks.

In the vicinity of the area close to the main road that links the capital's eastern and western sections, scores of youths had burnt tires, smashed office buildings and torched several cars, live coverage by local television stations showed.

The protesters camped in the square have been targeted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-protesters-clash-with-supporters-of-hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-264299">Shi'ite groups</a> in the past angered by chants against their political leaders, although Tuesday's violence was of an overtly sectarian nature.

The video, which inflamed passions in a country where sectarian divisions run deep, was purportedly made by an expatriate&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;Sunni from the northern city of Tripoli and released on social media.

In the predominately Sunni populated city of Saida in southern Lebanon, groups of masked youths stormed into the main square where they set ablaze several tents set up by demonstrators who have camped for weeks, local television stations said.

Lebanon has been gripped by a historic wave of protests since October&nbsp;17 leading to the resignation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-pm-saad-al-hariri-resigns-as-crisis-turns-violent-258682">Saad al-Hariri</a> as prime minister, amid anger at the government's failure to address the country's worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.

More than seven weeks since Hariri quit, politicians have been unable to agree on a new administration despite the deepening financial crisis.

The impasse took a violent turn at the weekend when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-rock-beirut-as-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-at-protest-268499">Beirut</a>&nbsp;was clouded in tear gas as security forces clashed with protesters who blame the ruling elite for corruption and bad governance. Dozens were wounded.

Lebanese troops lobbed tear gas on Tuesday to disperse supporters of Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal who tried to storm a square in Beirut in response to a video that purportedly offended Shi'ite figures, witnesses and media reports said.

Lebanese troops lobbed tear gas on Tuesday to disperse supporters of Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal who tried to storm a square in Beirut in response to a video that purportedly offended Shi'ite figures, witnesses and media reports said. Hundreds of youths on motorcycles waving their party and religious flags gathered in downtown Beirut chanting "Shi'ites, Shi'ites" and setting fire to tires. They hurled stones and fireworks at security forces standing nearby, witnesses said. Ignoring calls for restraint by politicians, the youths tried to break a security cordon to storm the square where demonstrators have set up tents as part of an anti-government protest that has been going on for weeks. In the vicinity of the area close to the main road that links the capital's eastern and western sections, scores of youths had burnt tires, smashed office buildings and torched several cars, live coverage by local television stations showed. The protesters camped in the square have been targeted by Shi'ite groups in the past angered by chants against their political leaders, although Tuesday's violence was of an overtly sectarian nature. The video, which inflamed passions in a country where sectarian divisions run deep, was purportedly made by an expatriate Lebanese Sunni from the northern city of Tripoli and released on social media. In the predominately Sunni populated city of Saida in southern Lebanon, groups of masked youths stormed into the main square where they set ablaze several tents set up by demonstrators who have camped for weeks, local television stations said. Lebanon has been gripped by a historic wave of protests since October 17 leading to the resignation of Saad al-Hariri as prime minister, amid anger at the government's failure to address the country's worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war. More than seven weeks since Hariri quit, politicians have been unable to agree on a new administration despite the deepening financial crisis. The impasse took a violent turn at the weekend when Beirut was clouded in tear gas as security forces clashed with protesters who blame the ruling elite for corruption and bad governance. Dozens were wounded.

Lebanese army clashes with supporters of Hezbollah, Amal in Beirut

Watch in WION Dispatch: Dozens wounded in Lebanon Protests. Watch this video as Daniele Pagani, WION's West-Asia Bureau Chief tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: Dozens wounded in Lebanon Protests

Watch in WION Dispatch: Street clashes engulf Beirut. Watch this video as Daniele Pagani, WION's West-Asia Bureau Chief tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: Street clashes engulf Beirut

Tear gas engulfed central Beirut as security forces chased protesters near Lebanon's parliament on Sunday (December 15) in a second night of street clashes that wounded dozens of people.

"We will not leave": anti-government protests rock Beirut

Tear gas engulfed central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-police-clash-with-anti-government-protesters-268354">Beirut</a> as security forces chased protesters near Lebanon's parliament on Sunday in a second night of street clashes that wounded dozens of people.

Protesters had returned despite a fierce crackdown by security forces the night before when clashes also injured dozens.

It marked the most violent unrest in the capital in a historic wave of protests that has swept Lebanon since October 17 and pushed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hariri-may-be-named-pm-but-faces-struggle-to-form-government-268476">Saad al-Hariri</a> to resign as prime minister.

The protests erupted from anger at a political elite that has overseen decades of corruption and steered the country toward its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.

"We will not leave. They are the ones who looted the country. They are the ones who got us here. We want our rights," said Nadine Farhat, 31, a lawyer protesting on Sunday.

Riot police and security forces, deploying again in large numbers, unleashed water cannons at hundreds of demonstrators who remained on the streets.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-protesters-clash-with-supporters-of-hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-264299"> Lebanese Civil Defense</a> said it had treated 46 people for injuries and taken 14 others to the hospital.

The clashes rocked a commercial district of Beirut for hours late into the night, and army soldiers closed off some roads.

Lebanon's Internal Security Forces said they fired tear gas after demonstrators pelted them with fireworks and stones, injuring some officers. On Twitter, the ISF called on people to leave the streets.

Crowds of men and women ran for cover chanting "revolution, revolution!" as white smoke streaming out of tear gas canisters encircled them. Some hurled the canisters back at riot police standing nearby in body armour.

"They attacked us in a barbaric way as if we're not protesting for their sake, their children," said a protester, Omar Abyad, 25, a nurse who has been unemployed since he graduated two years ago.

Abyad said he rallied on Sunday in part against Hariri's potential return as prime minister, calling him one of the same faces who have long ruled the country.

Lebanon's main parties have feuded over forming a new government, and Hariri is expected to be named prime minister again at formal consultations on Monday. But political rifts look set to hinder agreement on the next cabinet, which the country badly needs to ward off an even worse crisis.

Foreign donors say they will only help after there is a cabinet in place that can enact reforms.

Lebanon's economic woes, long in the making, have come to a head: Pressure has piled on the pegged Lebanese pound. A hard currency crunch has left many importers unable to bring in goods, forcing up prices. And banks have restricted dollar withdrawals.

"There's no work, no wages, no money, nothing," Abyad said. "I am in the streets and I have nothing to lose."

Tear gas engulfed central Beirut as security forces chased protesters near Lebanon's parliament on Sunday in a second night of street clashes that wounded dozens of people.

Tear gas engulfed central Beirut as security forces chased protesters near Lebanon's parliament on Sunday in a second night of street clashes that wounded dozens of people. Protesters had returned despite a fierce crackdown by security forces the night before when clashes also injured dozens. It marked the most violent unrest in the capital in a historic wave of protests that has swept Lebanon since October 17 and pushed Saad al-Hariri to resign as prime minister. The protests erupted from anger at a political elite that has overseen decades of corruption and steered the country toward its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war. "We will not leave. They are the ones who looted the country. They are the ones who got us here. We want our rights," said Nadine Farhat, 31, a lawyer protesting on Sunday. Riot police and security forces, deploying again in large numbers, unleashed water cannons at hundreds of demonstrators who remained on the streets. The Lebanese Civil Defense said it had treated 46 people for injuries and taken 14 others to the hospital. The clashes rocked a commercial district of Beirut for hours late into the night, and army soldiers closed off some roads. Lebanon's Internal Security Forces said they fired tear gas after demonstrators pelted them with fireworks and stones, injuring some officers. On Twitter, the ISF called on people to leave the streets. Crowds of men and women ran for cover chanting "revolution, revolution!" as white smoke streaming out of tear gas canisters encircled them. Some hurled the canisters back at riot police standing nearby in body armour. "They attacked us in a barbaric way as if we're not protesting for their sake, their children," said a protester, Omar Abyad, 25, a nurse who has been unemployed since he graduated two years ago. Abyad said he rallied on Sunday in part against Hariri's potential return as prime minister, calling him one of the same faces who have long ruled the country. Lebanon's main parties have feuded over forming a new government, and Hariri is expected to be named prime minister again at formal consultations on Monday. But political rifts look set to hinder agreement on the next cabinet, which the country badly needs to ward off an even worse crisis. Foreign donors say they will only help after there is a cabinet in place that can enact reforms. Lebanon's economic woes, long in the making, have come to a head: Pressure has piled on the pegged Lebanese pound. A hard currency crunch has left many importers unable to bring in goods, forcing up prices. And banks have restricted dollar withdrawals. "There's no work, no wages, no money, nothing," Abyad said. "I am in the streets and I have nothing to lose."

Clashes rock Beirut as security forces fire tear gas at protest

Clashes broke out between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-deploys-security-forces-in-beirut-before-parliamentary-session-263099">anti-government demonstrators</a> and supporters of the Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, early on Monday, as tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked a main bridge.

Lebanon has faced five weeks of anti-government protests, fuelled by anger at corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed Lebanon for decades. Demonstrators want to see the entire ruling class gone from power.

Hezbollah and Amal were both represented in the coalition government led by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hariri-ready-to-be-lebanese-prime-minister-again-but-with-conditions-report-258873">Saad al-Hariri</a>, who quit on October&nbsp;29 after the protests began. The heavily armed Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, had opposed Hariri's resignation.

Army soldiers and riot police formed a barrier separating the protesters from the supporters of the Shi'ite groups on a main road known as the Ring Bridge as rocks were thrown by both sides, television footage broadcast by Lebanese media showed.

Also watch:&nbsp;Lebanon Protest -&nbsp;Hezbollah accuses the US of Interference in Lebanon

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Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, three local television stations reported.

Supporters of Hezbollah and Amal waved the groups' flags. Earlier, they had chanted: "Shia, Shia" and slogans in support of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. On the other side, demonstrators chanted: "Revolution, revolution".

Lebanese broadcaster al-Jadeed reported that fighting apparently broke out when Hezbollah and Amal supporters blamed other demonstrators for making offensive comments about Nasrallah. Reuters could not independently verify the report.

The ground was strewn with rocks. A motorcycle was set on fire.

The Lebanese civil defense said on its Twitter account that it was administering first aid to five people suffering from "various injuries."

It was the worst tension in Beirut since a mob loyal to Hezbollah and Amal attacked and destroyed the main protest camp in central Beirut last month. The protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful.

&nbsp;

Clashes broke out between anti-government demonstrators and supporters of the Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, early on Monday, as tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked a main bridge.

Clashes broke out between anti-government demonstrators and supporters of the Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, early on Monday, as tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked a main bridge. Lebanon has faced five weeks of anti-government protests, fuelled by anger at corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed Lebanon for decades. Demonstrators want to see the entire ruling class gone from power. Hezbollah and Amal were both represented in the coalition government led by Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, who quit on October 29 after the protests began. The heavily armed Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, had opposed Hariri's resignation. Army soldiers and riot police formed a barrier separating the protesters from the supporters of the Shi'ite groups on a main road known as the Ring Bridge as rocks were thrown by both sides, television footage broadcast by Lebanese media showed. Also watch: Lebanon Protest - Hezbollah accuses the US of Interference in Lebanon × Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, three local television stations reported. Supporters of Hezbollah and Amal waved the groups' flags. Earlier, they had chanted: "Shia, Shia" and slogans in support of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. On the other side, demonstrators chanted: "Revolution, revolution". Lebanese broadcaster al-Jadeed reported that fighting apparently broke out when Hezbollah and Amal supporters blamed other demonstrators for making offensive comments about Nasrallah. Reuters could not independently verify the report. The ground was strewn with rocks. A motorcycle was set on fire. The Lebanese civil defense said on its Twitter account that it was administering first aid to five people suffering from "various injuries." It was the worst tension in Beirut since a mob loyal to Hezbollah and Amal attacked and destroyed the main protest camp in central Beirut last month. The protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful.

Lebanese protesters clash with supporters of Hezbollah, Amal in Beirut

Lebanon's parliament was blocked from holding its first session for two months on Tuesday after protesters prevented lawmakers from reaching the building, escalating a wave of demonstrations against rulers blamed for steering towards economic collapse.

Queues built at banks that reopened after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-banks-schools-shut-as-protesters-push-on-261582">one-week closure</a>, with police deployed at branches and banks imposing tight restrictions on hard currency withdrawals and transfers abroad.

Lebanon has slid further into economic crisis since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-is-a-sinking-ship-parliament-speaker-warns-262944">protests erupted</a> on October&nbsp;17. The political situation has been deadlocked since Saad al-Hariri resigned as prime minister on October&nbsp;29, with no progress towards a deal on a new government.

Gunfire was heard as a group of several dozen protesters forced two SUVs with official number plates and tinted windows to turn back as they approached the parliament, footage broadcast by Lebanese broadcasters showed.

The vehicles sped away after they were struck by demonstrators chanting "Out, out, out!"

Authorities later announced that the session had been postponed indefinitely.

The agenda of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-deploys-security-forces-in-beirut-before-parliamentary-session-263099">parliamentary session</a> had included reelecting members of parliamentary committees and discussion of a controversial amnesty law that is expected to lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had already postponed the session last week due to security concerns.

The security forces had fanned out on Tuesday before dawn in central Beirut, shutting down roads around parliament with barbed wire in what proved to be a failed attempt to prevent the protesters from blocking the session.

Police scuffled with a group of protesters who were trying to use a cable to remove a barbed wire barricade.

"How are they holding a session and not responding to the people? Those that are in the session have nothing to do with us, and it's not what we asked for," said a protester who gave her name as Maria.

The protests have been fuelled by perceptions of corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed Lebanon for decades and are blamed for leading the country into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

Lebanon's parliament was blocked from holding its first session for two months on Tuesday after protesters prevented lawmakers from reaching the building, escalating a wave of demonstrations against rulers blamed for steering towards economic collapse.

Lebanon's parliament was blocked from holding its first session for two months on Tuesday after protesters prevented lawmakers from reaching the building, escalating a wave of demonstrations against rulers blamed for steering towards economic collapse. Queues built at banks that reopened after a one-week closure, with police deployed at branches and banks imposing tight restrictions on hard currency withdrawals and transfers abroad. Lebanon has slid further into economic crisis since the protests erupted on October 17. The political situation has been deadlocked since Saad al-Hariri resigned as prime minister on October 29, with no progress towards a deal on a new government. Gunfire was heard as a group of several dozen protesters forced two SUVs with official number plates and tinted windows to turn back as they approached the parliament, footage broadcast by Lebanese broadcasters showed. The vehicles sped away after they were struck by demonstrators chanting "Out, out, out!" Authorities later announced that the session had been postponed indefinitely. The agenda of the parliamentary session had included reelecting members of parliamentary committees and discussion of a controversial amnesty law that is expected to lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had already postponed the session last week due to security concerns. The security forces had fanned out on Tuesday before dawn in central Beirut, shutting down roads around parliament with barbed wire in what proved to be a failed attempt to prevent the protesters from blocking the session. Police scuffled with a group of protesters who were trying to use a cable to remove a barbed wire barricade. "How are they holding a session and not responding to the people? Those that are in the session have nothing to do with us, and it's not what we asked for," said a protester who gave her name as Maria. The protests have been fuelled by perceptions of corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed Lebanon for decades and are blamed for leading the country into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

Protests force Lebanese parliament to postpone session; banks reopen

A heavy deployment of Lebanese security forces fanned out in central Beirut on Tuesday, ahead of a parliamentary session protesters have vowed to prevent as they demonstrate against the ruling elite.

Banks reopened for the first time in a week after announcing temporary steps, such as a weekly cap of $1,000 on withdrawals of hard currency and transfers abroad limited to urgent personal expenses, in moves to prevent capital flight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-is-a-sinking-ship-parliament-speaker-warns-262944">Lebanon</a> is in serious political and economic crisis a month after nationwide protests began. There is no indication of its leaders agreeing on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-slides-deeper-into-chaos-no-sign-of-new-government-261811">new government</a> to replace the outgoing cabinet of Saad al-Hariri, who quit as premier on October 29.

Riot police scuffled with a group of protesters who were trying to use a cable to remove a barbed-wire barricade blocking a road near parliament, a Reuters witness said.

The protests have been fuelled by perceptions of corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-swept-lebanon-in-gridlock-after-safadi-withdrawal-262758"> Lebanon</a> for decades and are blamed for leading the country into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

"How are they holding a session and not responding to the people? Those (MPs) that are in the session have nothing to do with us, and it's not what we asked for," said a protester who gave her name as Maria.

The parliamentary session was originally scheduled for last week but was postponed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for security considerations.

The agenda includes a proposal for a general amnesty that could lead to the release of several thousand prisoners. However, with several large parties opposed to the law, it was not immediately clear if it would pass.

A heavy deployment of Lebanese security forces fanned out in central Beirut on Tuesday, ahead of a parliamentary session protesters have vowed to prevent as they demonstrate against the ruling elite.

A heavy deployment of Lebanese security forces fanned out in central Beirut on Tuesday, ahead of a parliamentary session protesters have vowed to prevent as they demonstrate against the ruling elite. Banks reopened for the first time in a week after announcing temporary steps, such as a weekly cap of $1,000 on withdrawals of hard currency and transfers abroad limited to urgent personal expenses, in moves to prevent capital flight. Lebanon is in serious political and economic crisis a month after nationwide protests began. There is no indication of its leaders agreeing on a new government to replace the outgoing cabinet of Saad al-Hariri, who quit as premier on October 29. Riot police scuffled with a group of protesters who were trying to use a cable to remove a barbed-wire barricade blocking a road near parliament, a Reuters witness said. The protests have been fuelled by perceptions of corruption among the sectarian politicians who have governed Lebanon for decades and are blamed for leading the country into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. "How are they holding a session and not responding to the people? Those (MPs) that are in the session have nothing to do with us, and it's not what we asked for," said a protester who gave her name as Maria. The parliamentary session was originally scheduled for last week but was postponed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for security considerations. The agenda includes a proposal for a general amnesty that could lead to the release of several thousand prisoners. However, with several large parties opposed to the law, it was not immediately clear if it would pass.

Lebanon deploys security forces in Beirut before parliamentary session

Lebanon&nbsp;slid deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crisis-swept-lebanon-in-gridlock-after-safadi-withdrawal-262758">withdrawal of a top candidate</a> for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms.

Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, withdrew his candidacy late on Saturday, saying it was too hard to form a "harmonious" government with broad support.

Safadi was the first candidate who had appeared to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-safadi-emerges-as-prime-minister-of-choice-for-three-parties-262186">win some consensus</a> among&nbsp;Lebanon's fractious sectarian-based parties since Hariri quit as prime minister on October&nbsp;29, pushed out by sweeping protests against the ruling elite.

Faced by the worst financial strains since a 1975-1990 civil war,&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;has pledged urgent reforms it hopes will convince donors to disburse some $11 billion pledged last year.

The unrest has kept banks shut for most of the last month. They have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US&nbsp;dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market.

Safadi became the presumed front-runner for prime minister after a meeting between Hariri, a Sunni politician, and Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal, according to political sources and Lebanese media, but no political force later endorsed him.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system.

Protesters who have filled the streets since October&nbsp;17 hit out at the choice of Safadi, a prominent businessman and longtime politician they said was part of the elite they sought to oust.

Later on Sunday large crowds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-slides-deeper-into-chaos-no-sign-of-new-government-261811">anti-government protesters</a> waving Lebanese flags poured back into streets across the country, chanting for revolution in rallies to mark a month since the start of the uprising and keep up pressure.

In comments published on the Lebanese army's website, army chief General Joseph Aoun said the military would not stop people from demonstrating in squares but would intervene to open roads, calling freedom of movement "sacred".

Aoun said recent arrests were directed only at those rioting and confronting the army or who were found to possess drugs.

"We are in a deadlock now. I don't know when it will move again. It is not easy," said a senior political source. "The financial situation doesn't tolerate any delay."

A second political source described efforts to form a new government as "back to square one."

Reflecting the brittle political climate, President Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) accused Hariri of failing to rally support for Safadi's bid in order to undermine his candidacy and keep the job for himself.

An FPM statement criticised Hariri for insisting on a policy of "me or no one" to lead the next government, a reference to Hariri's insistence on returning as premier only if he can be the sole politician in a cabinet of specialists.

A statement by Hariri's office rejected FPM's assertion that he undermined Safadi's candidacy as an irresponsible attempt to "score points" despite&nbsp;Lebanon's "major national crisis".

But in a statement Safadi later blamed Hariri for not keeping "promises on the basis of which I accepted to be named prime minister of the next government".

He did not say what the promises were, but added: "There was nothing left for me to do but announce my withdrawal."

Safadi's withdrawal leaves the powerful, Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies with even fewer options unless they push for a close Sunni ally, a scenario that would likely reduce the chances of&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;winning international support. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States.

Hezbollah and Amal, along with Aoun, a Maronite Christian, have sought for Hariri to return as premier while including both technocrats and politicians in a new cabinet.

But Hariri, aligned with Gulf Arabs and the West, has said he will return as prime minister only if he can form a cabinet composed of specialists who can attract international support.

Global ratings agency S&amp;P flashed the latest warning on&nbsp;Lebanon's debt-saddled economy on Friday, lowering its foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings deeper into junk territory to 'CCC/C' from 'B-/B'.

S&amp;P cited rising pressure on central bank foreign currency reserves and diminished depositor confidence.

Lebanon's bank staff said they would continue a nationwide strike on Monday that has kept banks shut. The strike is over safety fears as depositors demand access to their money.

Lebanon slid deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the withdrawal of a top candidate for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms.

Lebanon slid deeper into political crisis on Sunday after the withdrawal of a top candidate for prime minister narrowed the chances of creating a government needed to enact urgent reforms. Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, withdrew his candidacy late on Saturday, saying it was too hard to form a "harmonious" government with broad support. Safadi was the first candidate who had appeared to win some consensus among Lebanon's fractious sectarian-based parties since Hariri quit as prime minister on October 29, pushed out by sweeping protests against the ruling elite. Faced by the worst financial strains since a 1975-1990 civil war, Lebanon has pledged urgent reforms it hopes will convince donors to disburse some $11 billion pledged last year. The unrest has kept banks shut for most of the last month. They have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals, and the pegged Lebanese pound is under pressure on an informal market. Safadi became the presumed front-runner for prime minister after a meeting between Hariri, a Sunni politician, and Shi'ite groups Hezbollah and Amal, according to political sources and Lebanese media, but no political force later endorsed him. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system. Protesters who have filled the streets since October 17 hit out at the choice of Safadi, a prominent businessman and longtime politician they said was part of the elite they sought to oust. Later on Sunday large crowds of anti-government protesters waving Lebanese flags poured back into streets across the country, chanting for revolution in rallies to mark a month since the start of the uprising and keep up pressure. In comments published on the Lebanese army's website, army chief General Joseph Aoun said the military would not stop people from demonstrating in squares but would intervene to open roads, calling freedom of movement "sacred". Aoun said recent arrests were directed only at those rioting and confronting the army or who were found to possess drugs. "We are in a deadlock now. I don't know when it will move again. It is not easy," said a senior political source. "The financial situation doesn't tolerate any delay." A second political source described efforts to form a new government as "back to square one." Reflecting the brittle political climate, President Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) accused Hariri of failing to rally support for Safadi's bid in order to undermine his candidacy and keep the job for himself. An FPM statement criticised Hariri for insisting on a policy of "me or no one" to lead the next government, a reference to Hariri's insistence on returning as premier only if he can be the sole politician in a cabinet of specialists. A statement by Hariri's office rejected FPM's assertion that he undermined Safadi's candidacy as an irresponsible attempt to "score points" despite Lebanon's "major national crisis". But in a statement Safadi later blamed Hariri for not keeping "promises on the basis of which I accepted to be named prime minister of the next government". He did not say what the promises were, but added: "There was nothing left for me to do but announce my withdrawal." Safadi's withdrawal leaves the powerful, Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies with even fewer options unless they push for a close Sunni ally, a scenario that would likely reduce the chances of Lebanon winning international support. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States. Hezbollah and Amal, along with Aoun, a Maronite Christian, have sought for Hariri to return as premier while including both technocrats and politicians in a new cabinet. But Hariri, aligned with Gulf Arabs and the West, has said he will return as prime minister only if he can form a cabinet composed of specialists who can attract international support. Global ratings agency S&P flashed the latest warning on Lebanon's debt-saddled economy on Friday, lowering its foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings deeper into junk territory to 'CCC/C' from 'B-/B'. S&P cited rising pressure on central bank foreign currency reserves and diminished depositor confidence. Lebanon's bank staff said they would continue a nationwide strike on Monday that has kept banks shut. The strike is over safety fears as depositors demand access to their money.

Lebanon is a sinking ship, parliament speaker warns

Political talks to agree an urgently needed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-shortage-price-hikes-squeeze-protest-hit-lebanon-261109">Lebanese government</a> are still deadlocked, three senior sources said on Sunday, as the powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah indicated it would not be forced into concessions.

The latest failure to break Lebanon's political impasse will worsen pressures on an economy gripped by its deepest crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, amid protests against a political establishment widely regarded as corrupt and inept.

Since reopening a week ago, commercial banks have been seeking to stave off capital flight by blocking most transfers abroad and imposing curbs on hard-currency withdrawals, though the central bank has announced no formal capital controls.

A big part of Lebanon's economic crisis stems from a slowdown of capital inflows which has led to a scarcity of US&nbsp;dollars and spawned a black market where the Lebanese pound has weakened below its official pegged rate.

A meeting on Saturday evening between caretaker Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and senior officials from Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal failed to yield any breakthrough towards forming the new cabinet, the sources said.

"The crisis is deepening," one source familiar with Hariri's position said. A senior source familiar with the view of Hezbollah and Amal said: "Nothing has changed. So far the road is completely blocked." A third senior source said the situation was still deadlocked.

Hariri quit on October&nbsp;29 in the face of unprecedented protests fuelled by poverty, joblessness and lack of basic services like electricity.

Hariri wants to lead a technocratic government devoid of other politicians, while Amal, Hezbollah and its Christian ally the Free Patriotic Movement want a government mixing technocrats and politicians.

"Nothing has changed"

The source familiar with Hariri's views has said he believes a cabinet composed of both technocrats and politicians would not be able to secure Western assistance and would also anger protesters who want to see a change of leadership.

Hariri reiterated his position in the meeting with caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil of Amal and top Hezbollah official Hussein Khalil, the senior source familiar with Hezbollah and Amal's view said.

Both Hezbollah and Amal communicated their view, that Hariri should return as premier of a new 'technopolitical' cabinet, at the meeting. Hariri said he would only agree to head a technocratic cabinet.

"Practically, what he wants is a government devoid of Hezbollah," the senior source said. "After 10 days have passed, matters must be decided."

The source familiar with Hariri's position said he believed Hezbollah, Amal and the FPM were seeking the inclusion in the cabinet of politicians rejected by the protesters.

These include FPM leader Gebran Bassil, foreign minister in the outgoing cabinet and a son-in-law of President Michel Aoun.

"If these faces return to government we will have pushed the street to return to protest in a greater way," the source familiar with Hariri's position said.

One dollar was buying 1,800 pounds or more on Friday compared to 1,740 on Thursday, two market sources said. The pegged rate is 1,507.5 pounds.

In a statement apparently referring to the deadlock and to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petrol-pumps-shut-down-in-protest-hit-lebanon-over-dollar-shortage-261057">Hezbollah's loss of fighters</a> in various conflicts, Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammad Raad said: "Our arms will not be twisted nor can we be neutralised from achieving the goals of the martyrs."

Lebanon's highest Christian authority urged the president to hasten the appointment of a prime minister and the formation of a government that meets protesters' demands.

"The country's situation cannot withstand another day of delays," Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai said.

Political talks to agree an urgently needed Lebanese government are still deadlocked, three senior sources said on Sunday, as the powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah indicated it would not be forced into concessions.

Political talks to agree an urgently needed Lebanese government are still deadlocked, three senior sources said on Sunday, as the powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah indicated it would not be forced into concessions. The latest failure to break Lebanon's political impasse will worsen pressures on an economy gripped by its deepest crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, amid protests against a political establishment widely regarded as corrupt and inept. Since reopening a week ago, commercial banks have been seeking to stave off capital flight by blocking most transfers abroad and imposing curbs on hard-currency withdrawals, though the central bank has announced no formal capital controls. A big part of Lebanon's economic crisis stems from a slowdown of capital inflows which has led to a scarcity of US dollars and spawned a black market where the Lebanese pound has weakened below its official pegged rate. A meeting on Saturday evening between caretaker Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and senior officials from Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal failed to yield any breakthrough towards forming the new cabinet, the sources said. "The crisis is deepening," one source familiar with Hariri's position said. A senior source familiar with the view of Hezbollah and Amal said: "Nothing has changed. So far the road is completely blocked." A third senior source said the situation was still deadlocked. Hariri quit on October 29 in the face of unprecedented protests fuelled by poverty, joblessness and lack of basic services like electricity. Hariri wants to lead a technocratic government devoid of other politicians, while Amal, Hezbollah and its Christian ally the Free Patriotic Movement want a government mixing technocrats and politicians. "Nothing has changed" The source familiar with Hariri's views has said he believes a cabinet composed of both technocrats and politicians would not be able to secure Western assistance and would also anger protesters who want to see a change of leadership. Hariri reiterated his position in the meeting with caretaker Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil of Amal and top Hezbollah official Hussein Khalil, the senior source familiar with Hezbollah and Amal's view said. Both Hezbollah and Amal communicated their view, that Hariri should return as premier of a new 'technopolitical' cabinet, at the meeting. Hariri said he would only agree to head a technocratic cabinet. "Practically, what he wants is a government devoid of Hezbollah," the senior source said. "After 10 days have passed, matters must be decided." The source familiar with Hariri's position said he believed Hezbollah, Amal and the FPM were seeking the inclusion in the cabinet of politicians rejected by the protesters. These include FPM leader Gebran Bassil, foreign minister in the outgoing cabinet and a son-in-law of President Michel Aoun. "If these faces return to government we will have pushed the street to return to protest in a greater way," the source familiar with Hariri's position said. One dollar was buying 1,800 pounds or more on Friday compared to 1,740 on Thursday, two market sources said. The pegged rate is 1,507.5 pounds. In a statement apparently referring to the deadlock and to Hezbollah's loss of fighters in various conflicts, Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammad Raad said: "Our arms will not be twisted nor can we be neutralised from achieving the goals of the martyrs." Lebanon's highest Christian authority urged the president to hasten the appointment of a prime minister and the formation of a government that meets protesters' demands. "The country's situation cannot withstand another day of delays," Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai said.

Hezbollah says its 'arms won't be twisted' as Lebanon crisis deepens

Lebanese demonstrators hit the streets again on Tuesday evening to demand a new government, facing off in some areas with security forces attempting to re-open blockaded roads.

An unprecedented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roads-blocked-as-lebanon-protesters-battle-on-259828">protest movement</a> has gripped&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;since October 17, demanding an overhaul of a political class that has remained largely unchanged since the end of the country's 1975-1990 civil war.

Rallies took place across the country, from Tripoli in the north to Sidon in the south, with demonstrators carrying Lebanese flags and chanting "Revolution! Revolution!"

Protesters gathered on Tuesday night in a square in Tripoli, hours after the army prevented them from closing public institutions and banks, as they had on the previous day.

An AFP correspondent in Tripoli said young demonstrators paraded through the city banging pots and pans to express their solidarity with Sidon, where the army had broken up a protest camp in the morning.

"I'm banging pots to protest against the political class that doesn't think about our future. It's time for them to wake up and listen to us," said Abdul Ghani, 19, a protester in Tripoli.

"We won't leave the streets until they've all fallen."

Throughout the day, the army and security forces worked to open roads closed by small groups of demonstrators to exert pressure on the authorities.&nbsp;

An AFP photographer saw a group of protesters north of&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;clash with soldiers trying to open a road, with Army forces detaining several people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Protesters have criticised the government for delays in forming a new cabinet after Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hariri-ready-to-be-lebanese-prime-minister-again-but-with-conditions-report-258873">Hariri quit </a>on October 29 in response to the mass protests, but President Michel Aoun has yet to begin consultations necessary to appoint a new prime minister.

"They should quickly form a government that respects the rights of the people and show good will... and regain the trust of the public and investors," said demonstrator Hussein in central&nbsp;Beirut.&nbsp;

Protesters have called for a government to be formed of technocrats from outside the political elite, followed by early elections and a law to seize embezzled funds and tackle corruption.&nbsp;

Lebanese demonstrators hit the streets again on Tuesday evening to demand a new government, facing off in some areas with security forces attempting to re-open blockaded roads.

Lebanese demonstrators hit the streets again on Tuesday evening to demand a new government, facing off in some areas with security forces attempting to re-open blockaded roads. An unprecedented protest movement has gripped Lebanon since October 17, demanding an overhaul of a political class that has remained largely unchanged since the end of the country's 1975-1990 civil war. Rallies took place across the country, from Tripoli in the north to Sidon in the south, with demonstrators carrying Lebanese flags and chanting "Revolution! Revolution!" Protesters gathered on Tuesday night in a square in Tripoli, hours after the army prevented them from closing public institutions and banks, as they had on the previous day. An AFP correspondent in Tripoli said young demonstrators paraded through the city banging pots and pans to express their solidarity with Sidon, where the army had broken up a protest camp in the morning. "I'm banging pots to protest against the political class that doesn't think about our future. It's time for them to wake up and listen to us," said Abdul Ghani, 19, a protester in Tripoli. "We won't leave the streets until they've all fallen." Throughout the day, the army and security forces worked to open roads closed by small groups of demonstrators to exert pressure on the authorities. An AFP photographer saw a group of protesters north of Beirut clash with soldiers trying to open a road, with Army forces detaining several people. Protesters have criticised the government for delays in forming a new cabinet after Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned. Hariri quit on October 29 in response to the mass protests, but President Michel Aoun has yet to begin consultations necessary to appoint a new prime minister. "They should quickly form a government that respects the rights of the people and show good will... and regain the trust of the public and investors," said demonstrator Hussein in central Beirut. Protesters have called for a government to be formed of technocrats from outside the political elite, followed by early elections and a law to seize embezzled funds and tackle corruption.

Lebanese protest again as army works to open blocked roads

Lebanese protesters demanding the overthrow of their country's elite returned to the streets on Sunday (November 3) evening in the largest numbers since the government was toppled and hours after opposing supporters of President Michel Aoun staged a big rally.

'Come on Beirut, revolt' - Lebanon's protesters return to streets

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-roads-reopen-in-lebanon-after-prime-minister-resigns-258802">prime minister</a> of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse.

Hariri's resignation on Tuesday has left Lebanon with a political vacuum at a moment of acute crisis with reforms urgently needed to ward off even deeper financial problems in one of the world's most heavily indebted states.

The crisis has weighed on Lebanese sovereign debt prices and compounded pressure on the pegged Lebanese pound, which has been weakening on a parallel market below the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds. Prices cited in the black market for US&nbsp;dollars varied from 1,750 pounds to 1,850 on Wednesday.

Hariri resigned after nearly two weeks of massive protests against the political elite, accused by demonstrators of overseeing rampant state corruption, saying he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis.

The senior official, who declined to be identified, said any new cabinet led by Hariri should be devoid of a group of top-tier politicians who were in the outgoing coalition government, without naming them.

The outgoing cabinet comprised top representatives of most of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lebanon-in-deadlock-protesters-form-human-chain-258437">Lebanon's</a> sectarian parties, among them foreign minister Gebran Bassil of the Christian Free Patriotic Movement who has been a prominent target of protesters.

Bassil is a political ally of the powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which had opposed the government's resignation and has yet to comment on the resignation of Hariri, a long-time opponent of the group.

Main roads in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday as security forces sought to restore the semblance of normalcy.

But banks remained closed for an 11th working day.

There was no word yet on when they might reopen even as traffic began moving along major traffic arteries that had been blocked for days by demonstrators whose demands included the cabinet's resignation.

President Michel Aoun formally asked Hariri on Wednesday to continue in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed, as required by Lebanon's system of government.

There is no obvious alternative to Hariri to fill the post of the prime minister, which is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system.

Pound under pressure

Hariri, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-stresses-urgency-of-reforms-in-lebanon-to-restore-economic-stability-258530">Lebanon's leading Sunni politician</a>, is seen as the focal point for Western and Gulf Arab support to Lebanon, which is in dire need of external financial support to revive its economy and boost its foreign exchange reserves.

The banks have publicly cited security concerns as the reason for the closure. Bankers and analysts have also cited concern about a rush by savers to withdraw their savings or transfer them abroad once the banks reopen.

Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed.

The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on, but did not block the whole road.

In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only".

The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces.

Hariri made his resignation speech on Tuesday after a crowd loyal to Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut.

The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the formation of a new government responsive to the needs of the Lebanese people.

"The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption," he said.

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as prime minister of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse.

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as prime minister of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse. Hariri's resignation on Tuesday has left Lebanon with a political vacuum at a moment of acute crisis with reforms urgently needed to ward off even deeper financial problems in one of the world's most heavily indebted states. The crisis has weighed on Lebanese sovereign debt prices and compounded pressure on the pegged Lebanese pound, which has been weakening on a parallel market below the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds. Prices cited in the black market for US dollars varied from 1,750 pounds to 1,850 on Wednesday. Hariri resigned after nearly two weeks of massive protests against the political elite, accused by demonstrators of overseeing rampant state corruption, saying he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis. The senior official, who declined to be identified, said any new cabinet led by Hariri should be devoid of a group of top-tier politicians who were in the outgoing coalition government, without naming them. The outgoing cabinet comprised top representatives of most of Lebanon's sectarian parties, among them foreign minister Gebran Bassil of the Christian Free Patriotic Movement who has been a prominent target of protesters. Bassil is a political ally of the powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which had opposed the government's resignation and has yet to comment on the resignation of Hariri, a long-time opponent of the group. Main roads in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday as security forces sought to restore the semblance of normalcy. But banks remained closed for an 11th working day. There was no word yet on when they might reopen even as traffic began moving along major traffic arteries that had been blocked for days by demonstrators whose demands included the cabinet's resignation. President Michel Aoun formally asked Hariri on Wednesday to continue in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed, as required by Lebanon's system of government. There is no obvious alternative to Hariri to fill the post of the prime minister, which is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system. Pound under pressure Hariri, Lebanon's leading Sunni politician, is seen as the focal point for Western and Gulf Arab support to Lebanon, which is in dire need of external financial support to revive its economy and boost its foreign exchange reserves. The banks have publicly cited security concerns as the reason for the closure. Bankers and analysts have also cited concern about a rush by savers to withdraw their savings or transfer them abroad once the banks reopen. Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed. The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on, but did not block the whole road. In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces. Hariri made his resignation speech on Tuesday after a crowd loyal to Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut. The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the formation of a new government responsive to the needs of the Lebanese people. "The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption," he said.

Hariri ready to be Lebanese Prime Minister again but with conditions: Report

Protesters formed a human chain across&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Sunday, pressing a historic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-protesters-gather-early-to-keep-pressure-on-government-257093">wave of demonstrations</a> against political leaders blamed for corruption and steering the country towards economic collapse.

With the crisis in its second week, there was no sign of moves by the government towards a compromise with protesters whose<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-government-faces-calls-to-resign-as-austerity-protests-spread-256599"> demands include</a> its resignation.

Reflecting financial strains unseen since the 1975-90 civil war, the millers association said wheat stocks were enough for just 20 days due to problems making foreign currency payments over the past two months.

Lebanon's banks will remain closed on Monday. They have been shut for eight working days out of safety concerns. Bankers and analysts also cited wide fears depositors will try to take out their savings when banks reopen.

Schools and many businesses have also shut their doors. Protesters have blocked roads across the country for days.

People from all sects and walks of life have flooded the streets for 11 days, furious at a sectarian ruling elite they accuse of plundering state resources for personal gain.

The protests, ignited in part by a government plan to tax WhatsApp calls, have swept&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;at a time of deep economic crisis. Efforts by the army to persuade protesters to unblock the roads have failed.

Amid a sea of Lebanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-lebanon-protestors-ditch-rioting-and-turn-revolution-into-rave-257684">flags and music </a>blaring from loudspeakers, people joined hands along coastal roads on Sunday, aiming to span 171 kilometres from the south to the north.

"What's happening is proof of how peacefully we are protesting, when you see people all holding hands and having one heart," said Nadine Labaki, an Oscar-nominated Lebanese filmmaker taking part in the chain in Beirut. "Today is a fateful day."

At the Vatican, Pope Francis offered his prayers on Sunday for young protesters in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;and asked for the international community's support to keep the country a place of "peaceful coexistence".

The size and geographic reach of the protests have been extraordinary in a country where political movements have long been divided along sectarian lines and struggle to draw nationwide appeal.

"We're here to show the whole world that we are united," said Rasha Hijazi, joining hands with others in the southern city of Sidon. "Everyone is coming to stay united against the corruption we are living with in this country."

The millers association said the shortage of foreign currency has so far left three vessels unwilling to discharge the grain until payments are settled.

Asked in a WhatsApp message what was expected at the political level, one senior politician replied "deadlock". A second said "there are no new developments regarding the deadlock".

Lebanon's government is grappling with one of the world's heaviest public debt burdens at 150 per cent&nbsp;of GDP. It has declared an economic emergency to try to get its finances under control.

Ratings agency S&amp;P on Thursday placed&nbsp;Lebanon's country ratings on "creditwatch negative" on concerns about declining currency inflows.

It said deposit outflows totalled $2.1 billion for the first eight months of the year. The central bank's usable foreign exchange reserves are estimated to stand at $19 billion at the end of 2019, it said.

Lebanese authorities' inability to meet people's urgent demands could "further test depositor confidence," it added.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri's government announced an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-protests-lebanon-approves-emergency-economic-reforms-257484">emergency reform package</a> this week that has failed to defuse the protests. It has also yet to convince foreign donors to unlock billions in badly needed aid which they pledged last year.

Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai said the government could not ignore the people's "cry" for a small, politically neutral cabinet and should comply with their demands before it is too late, the National News Agency reported.

He also urged protesters to allow freedom of movement and not to act "as if you are masters of the roads".

Protesters formed a human chain across Lebanon on Sunday, pressing a historic wave of demonstrations against political leaders blamed for corruption and steering the country towards economic collapse.

Protesters formed a human chain across Lebanon on Sunday, pressing a historic wave of demonstrations against political leaders blamed for corruption and steering the country towards economic collapse. With the crisis in its second week, there was no sign of moves by the government towards a compromise with protesters whose demands include its resignation. Reflecting financial strains unseen since the 1975-90 civil war, the millers association said wheat stocks were enough for just 20 days due to problems making foreign currency payments over the past two months. Lebanon's banks will remain closed on Monday. They have been shut for eight working days out of safety concerns. Bankers and analysts also cited wide fears depositors will try to take out their savings when banks reopen. Schools and many businesses have also shut their doors. Protesters have blocked roads across the country for days. People from all sects and walks of life have flooded the streets for 11 days, furious at a sectarian ruling elite they accuse of plundering state resources for personal gain. The protests, ignited in part by a government plan to tax WhatsApp calls, have swept Lebanon at a time of deep economic crisis. Efforts by the army to persuade protesters to unblock the roads have failed. Amid a sea of Lebanese flags and music blaring from loudspeakers, people joined hands along coastal roads on Sunday, aiming to span 171 kilometres from the south to the north. "What's happening is proof of how peacefully we are protesting, when you see people all holding hands and having one heart," said Nadine Labaki, an Oscar-nominated Lebanese filmmaker taking part in the chain in Beirut. "Today is a fateful day." At the Vatican, Pope Francis offered his prayers on Sunday for young protesters in Lebanon and asked for the international community's support to keep the country a place of "peaceful coexistence". The size and geographic reach of the protests have been extraordinary in a country where political movements have long been divided along sectarian lines and struggle to draw nationwide appeal. "We're here to show the whole world that we are united," said Rasha Hijazi, joining hands with others in the southern city of Sidon. "Everyone is coming to stay united against the corruption we are living with in this country." The millers association said the shortage of foreign currency has so far left three vessels unwilling to discharge the grain until payments are settled. Asked in a WhatsApp message what was expected at the political level, one senior politician replied "deadlock". A second said "there are no new developments regarding the deadlock". Lebanon's government is grappling with one of the world's heaviest public debt burdens at 150 per cent of GDP. It has declared an economic emergency to try to get its finances under control. Ratings agency S&P on Thursday placed Lebanon's country ratings on "creditwatch negative" on concerns about declining currency inflows. It said deposit outflows totalled $2.1 billion for the first eight months of the year. The central bank's usable foreign exchange reserves are estimated to stand at $19 billion at the end of 2019, it said. Lebanese authorities' inability to meet people's urgent demands could "further test depositor confidence," it added. Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri's government announced an emergency reform package this week that has failed to defuse the protests. It has also yet to convince foreign donors to unlock billions in badly needed aid which they pledged last year. Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai said the government could not ignore the people's "cry" for a small, politically neutral cabinet and should comply with their demands before it is too late, the National News Agency reported. He also urged protesters to allow freedom of movement and not to act "as if you are masters of the roads".

With Lebanon in deadlock, protesters form human chain

Support for&nbsp;Chile's Sebastian Pinera has plunged to just 14per cent&nbsp;amid recent unrest, according to a poll published on Sunday, the lowest approval rating for a&nbsp;Chilean president since the country's return to democracy three decades ago.

The survey, published in local daily La Tercera, was conducted by&nbsp;Chilean pollster Cadem between Wednesday and Thursday. It came just before a rally that saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chilean-president-vows-major-reshuffle-after-week-of-protests-258314">1 million&nbsp;Chileans</a>, or just under one-fifth the city's population, take to the streets Friday to call for reforms to the country's social and economic model.

Daily La Tercera called Pinera's 14per cent&nbsp;approval rating a "historical minimum," and the lowest since the 1973-1990 military rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet. More than three-quarters of&nbsp;Chileans disapproved of the centre-right Pinera's administration, the poll found.

Chile, the world's top copper producer, has long been one of the region's most prosperous and stable free-market economies. But entrenched inequality and spiralling costs of living ignited massive, and sometimes violent,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chile-anti-govt-protests-escalate-258114"> protests</a> last week.

Similar scenes have played out in cities across the world in recent months, from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-in-hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-clear-rally-258401">Hong Kong</a> to Beirut to Barcelona, sharing in common anger at ruling elites.

In&nbsp;Chile, a hike in subway fares more than a week ago proved the breaking point. Small protests quickly boiled over into riots that have killed at least 17 people, resulted in more than 7,000 arrests and caused upwards of $1.4 billion in losses to&nbsp;Chilean businesses.

Pinera, a billionaire businessman, last week called for a new "social pact," to stem the unrest. He promised higher taxes on the rich to help boost the minimum wage and pensions, lower the prices of medicines and assure proper health insurance.

The Cadem poll found that 80 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chileans did not think his reforms were adequate.

Roberto Izikson, a pollster and political scientist with Cadem, told Reuters Pinera's ratings were already trending downwards before the protests began.

"We will see how the government plays the last few cards it holds to confront this new scenario," Izikson said.

The centre-right Pinera trounced the leftist opposition during 2017 elections. But mass rallies forcing Pinera to change his tone and upend his policy goals.

On Saturday, Pinera promised a major cabinet shake-up, though he has yet to announce details.

Support for Chile's Sebastian Pinera has plunged to just 14per cent amid recent unrest, according to a poll published on Sunday, the lowest approval rating for a Chilean president since the country's return to democracy three decades ago.

Support for Chile's Sebastian Pinera has plunged to just 14per cent amid recent unrest, according to a poll published on Sunday, the lowest approval rating for a Chilean president since the country's return to democracy three decades ago. The survey, published in local daily La Tercera, was conducted by Chilean pollster Cadem between Wednesday and Thursday. It came just before a rally that saw 1 million Chileans, or just under one-fifth the city's population, take to the streets Friday to call for reforms to the country's social and economic model. Daily La Tercera called Pinera's 14per cent approval rating a "historical minimum," and the lowest since the 1973-1990 military rule of dictator Augusto Pinochet. More than three-quarters of Chileans disapproved of the centre-right Pinera's administration, the poll found. Chile, the world's top copper producer, has long been one of the region's most prosperous and stable free-market economies. But entrenched inequality and spiralling costs of living ignited massive, and sometimes violent, protests last week. Similar scenes have played out in cities across the world in recent months, from Hong Kong to Beirut to Barcelona, sharing in common anger at ruling elites. In Chile, a hike in subway fares more than a week ago proved the breaking point. Small protests quickly boiled over into riots that have killed at least 17 people, resulted in more than 7,000 arrests and caused upwards of $1.4 billion in losses to Chilean businesses. Pinera, a billionaire businessman, last week called for a new "social pact," to stem the unrest. He promised higher taxes on the rich to help boost the minimum wage and pensions, lower the prices of medicines and assure proper health insurance. The Cadem poll found that 80 per cent of Chileans did not think his reforms were adequate. Roberto Izikson, a pollster and political scientist with Cadem, told Reuters Pinera's ratings were already trending downwards before the protests began. "We will see how the government plays the last few cards it holds to confront this new scenario," Izikson said. The centre-right Pinera trounced the leftist opposition during 2017 elections. But mass rallies forcing Pinera to change his tone and upend his policy goals. On Saturday, Pinera promised a major cabinet shake-up, though he has yet to announce details.

Support for Chile President Pinera lowest since Pinochet era: Poll

Protests seem to have gripped parts of the world. From over hundreds getting killed in Iraq to the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong that has seen many face the brunt of tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons - the nature of resistance against the establishment could differ but the underlying sentiment of dissent remains at the heart of all protests.&nbsp;

Redefining dissent

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-protests-lebanon-approves-emergency-economic-reforms-257484">Lebanese protesters</a>, however, have recently exhibited a new definition of the act of protesting. A form of agitation that not only demonstrates the power of the coming together of people but also sends out a message that not all protests need to turn into riots.&nbsp;

Last week, protesters in Beirut turned down their clamour to break into a song when a car carrying a toddler was stuck amid the protesting crowd. The agitators quickly picked up a children's song, 'Baby Shark', to ensure that the little one felt safe and not overwhelmed.&nbsp;

Hush baby!

When driver Eliane Jabbour was surrounded by a rally in the capital last weekend, she asked protesters if they could stop shouting as her young son was asleep in the front passenger seat, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

On the spot, Eliane relates, the crowd spontaneously broke out into a rendition of the song "Baby Shark", complete with hand gestures depicting a shark's bite, and big smiles.

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Brides take part in Lebanon protests <a href="https://t.co/hQflQ7H4zO">pic.twitter.com/hQflQ7H4zO</a>
— Rana Harbi (@RanaHarbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanaHarbi/status/1185581098354524160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Grooving protestors

Another sight met the eye when scores of Lebanese agitators were seen partying on a Saturday night, dancing to the tunes of a DJ. The videos of the same took no time to get viral on social media. One of the users tweeted out, "...riot or not, can't waste a Saturday night".&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We never lied when we told you Lebanon has the greatest night life on planet earth, riot or not, can’t waste a Saturday night. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86_%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B6?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان_ينتفض</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86_%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%87%D8%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان_يسهر</a><a href="https://t.co/oPzunMq688">pic.twitter.com/oPzunMq688</a>
— Real Madrić ♚ (@GaelleSayegh) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaelleSayegh/status/1185619739747467266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Beats, brides, Beirut!

While at some other place in Lebanon, huge crowds were seen joining hands, dancing around fire, singing and smiling. Another video doing the rounds on social media had a young man propose to a woman, lifting her in the air as the protestors watched and rejoiced in joy. Not just this, the protests in Beirut and other Lebanese areas saw people dress up while even brides took to the streets demanding the establishment to pull the country out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hariri-agrees-to-reforms-amid-nationwide-protests-over-economic-crisis-257191">the economic crisis</a>.&nbsp;

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ثورة بلا دبكة مثلاً؟ <a href="https://t.co/mTwR3s7ORY">pic.twitter.com/mTwR3s7ORY</a>
— Mira✨ (@miraaabdallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/miraaabdallah/status/1184949002321707009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Lebanon is a nation where political movements are normally divided on sectarian lines and it is usually difficult to draw nationwide appeal. The current wave of protests in the country have been extraordinary, not just because of their size and geographic reach in a country but also the way it showcases the sheer power of people.&nbsp;

Lebanon's message? Humans can shake the world up, it is not always that one needs to resort to unrest or rioting.&nbsp;

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كيف هيك😂 <a href="https://t.co/x7uSbvBHzF">pic.twitter.com/x7uSbvBHzF</a>
— Dana (@danamakki12) <a href="https://twitter.com/danamakki12/status/1185269912023060482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Protesters in Lebanon are angry about the state of the economy, corruption and public services.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Protests seem to have gripped parts of the world. From over hundreds getting killed in Iraq to the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong that has seen many face the brunt of tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons - the nature of resistance against the establishment could differ but the underlying sentiment of dissent remains at the heart of all protests.

Protests seem to have gripped parts of the world. From over hundreds getting killed in Iraq to the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong that has seen many face the brunt of tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons - the nature of resistance against the establishment could differ but the underlying sentiment of dissent remains at the heart of all protests. Redefining dissent Lebanese protesters, however, have recently exhibited a new definition of the act of protesting. A form of agitation that not only demonstrates the power of the coming together of people but also sends out a message that not all protests need to turn into riots. Last week, protesters in Beirut turned down their clamour to break into a song when a car carrying a toddler was stuck amid the protesting crowd. The agitators quickly picked up a children's song, 'Baby Shark', to ensure that the little one felt safe and not overwhelmed. Hush baby! When driver Eliane Jabbour was surrounded by a rally in the capital last weekend, she asked protesters if they could stop shouting as her young son was asleep in the front passenger seat, news agency Reuters reported. On the spot, Eliane relates, the crowd spontaneously broke out into a rendition of the song "Baby Shark", complete with hand gestures depicting a shark's bite, and big smiles. Brides take part in Lebanon protests pic.twitter.com/hQflQ7H4zO — Rana Harbi (@RanaHarbi) October 19, 2019 × Grooving protestors Another sight met the eye when scores of Lebanese agitators were seen partying on a Saturday night, dancing to the tunes of a DJ. The videos of the same took no time to get viral on social media. One of the users tweeted out, "...riot or not, can't waste a Saturday night". We never lied when we told you Lebanon has the greatest night life on planet earth, riot or not, can’t waste a Saturday night. #لبنان_ينتفض #لبنان_يسهرpic.twitter.com/oPzunMq688 — Real Madrić ♚ (@GaelleSayegh) October 19, 2019 × Beats, brides, Beirut! While at some other place in Lebanon, huge crowds were seen joining hands, dancing around fire, singing and smiling. Another video doing the rounds on social media had a young man propose to a woman, lifting her in the air as the protestors watched and rejoiced in joy. Not just this, the protests in Beirut and other Lebanese areas saw people dress up while even brides took to the streets demanding the establishment to pull the country out of the economic crisis. ثورة بلا دبكة مثلاً؟ pic.twitter.com/mTwR3s7ORY — Mira✨ (@miraaabdallah) October 17, 2019 × Lebanon is a nation where political movements are normally divided on sectarian lines and it is usually difficult to draw nationwide appeal. The current wave of protests in the country have been extraordinary, not just because of their size and geographic reach in a country but also the way it showcases the sheer power of people. Lebanon's message? Humans can shake the world up, it is not always that one needs to resort to unrest or rioting. كيف هيك😂 pic.twitter.com/x7uSbvBHzF — Dana (@danamakki12) October 18, 2019 × Protesters in Lebanon are angry about the state of the economy, corruption and public services. (With inputs from Reuters)

In Lebanon, protesters ditch rioting and turn revolution into rave

Lebanon approved an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hariri-agrees-to-reforms-amid-nationwide-protests-over-economic-crisis-257191">emergency reform package </a>on Monday in response to protests over dire economic conditions, but the moves did not go far enough to persuade demonstrators to leave the streets or investors to halt a plunge in its bonds.

Hundreds of thousands of people have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-sweep-lebanon-as-fury-at-ruling-elite-grows-over-economic-corruption-256839">flooded the streets</a> since Thursday, furious at a political class they accuse of pushing the economy to the point of collapse. Roads were blocked for a fifth day across the country.

Schools, banks and businesses were closed, and Banks are expected to remain shut on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, in a televised speech, said the new measures might not meet the protesters' demands but were a start towards achieving some of them. The government must work to recover trust, he said.

"You are the compass and ... your movement frankly is what led us to this decision today," added Hariri, who said big steps had been taken towards fighting corruption and waste.

But despite the reforms, Lebanon's dollar-denominated bounds suffered hefty losses on Monday following sharp drops on Friday. Some sank to record lows.

Investors said the turmoil showed Lebanon was running out of time to fix its economic problems.

"It is just a mess - and it looks like it is more and more unsustainable. I don't think it is a final nail in the coffin, but it is looking ominous," said Kevin Daly, Senior Investment Manager, Emerging Market Debt at Aberdeen Standard Investments.

"There has been fiscal adjustment, but it has not been enough."

The reforms included the symbolic halving of the salaries of ministers and lawmakers, as well as moves towards implementing long-delayed measures vital to putting the public finances on a sustainable path.

Maya Mhana, a teacher listening to the speech in Beirut with other protesters, was not convinced. "We are remaining in the streets, we don't believe a single word he said," she said.

Protesters sang into the night in Beirut and continued to demonstrate in other parts of the country.

"We don't believe that they can change in two days," said Fadi Abou Dargham, a 55-year-old jeweller.

The protests have been extraordinary because of their size and geographic reach in a country where political movements are normally divided on sectarian lines and struggle to draw nationwide appeal.

Lebanon has one of the world's highest levels of government debt as a share of economic output. The government includes most major parties, run by politicians widely perceived to have mobilised state resources and influence for their own gain.

The economy has been hit by political paralysis and regional conflicts, compounded by strains in the financial system that have risen as inward capital flows have slowed. Unemployment among the under 35s runs at 37 per cent.

Lebanese have started to feel pressures in the financial system more acutely of late, with dollars becoming harder to obtain at the official exchange rate. The pound, pegged at its current rate for two decades, has been under pressure.

International donors last year pledged $11 billion to help Lebanon finance capital investment, conditional on reforms. Hariri said the new decisions would satisfy donors and the government would approve within three weeks the first phase of the capital investment programme.

The government approved a 2020 budget with no new taxes and a deficit of around 0.6 per cent&nbsp;of national output, Hariri said, describing this as a historic achievement. The deficit for 2019 is around 7 per cent&nbsp;of GDP.

Lebanon's large banking sector would contribute 5.1 trillion Lebanese pounds ($3.4 billion) to deficit reduction, including through an increase in the tax on bank profits, Hariri said.

Steps included abolishing the information ministry and some other state bodies.

The government would accelerate the long-delayed reform of the state-run power sector, which drains $2 billion from the treasury per year while failing to deliver enough power for Lebanese who depend on private generators to fill the gap.

Nassib Ghobril, Byblos Bank chief economist, said the reforms sounded good on paper but there were "a lot of question marks". He criticised the increased taxes on banks, which were hit by a tax hike in 2018. Rampant evasion must be fought.

"The approach seems to have not changed," he said. "The government considers the private sector only as a source of tax revenues instead of working to improve the investment climate, the business climate and raising the economy's competitiveness."

Lebanon approved an emergency reform package on Monday in response to protests over dire economic conditions, but the moves did not go far enough to persuade demonstrators to leave the streets or investors to halt a plunge in its bonds.

Lebanon approved an emergency reform package on Monday in response to protests over dire economic conditions, but the moves did not go far enough to persuade demonstrators to leave the streets or investors to halt a plunge in its bonds. Hundreds of thousands of people have flooded the streets since Thursday, furious at a political class they accuse of pushing the economy to the point of collapse. Roads were blocked for a fifth day across the country. Schools, banks and businesses were closed, and Banks are expected to remain shut on Tuesday. Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, in a televised speech, said the new measures might not meet the protesters' demands but were a start towards achieving some of them. The government must work to recover trust, he said. "You are the compass and ... your movement frankly is what led us to this decision today," added Hariri, who said big steps had been taken towards fighting corruption and waste. But despite the reforms, Lebanon's dollar-denominated bounds suffered hefty losses on Monday following sharp drops on Friday. Some sank to record lows. Investors said the turmoil showed Lebanon was running out of time to fix its economic problems. "It is just a mess - and it looks like it is more and more unsustainable. I don't think it is a final nail in the coffin, but it is looking ominous," said Kevin Daly, Senior Investment Manager, Emerging Market Debt at Aberdeen Standard Investments. "There has been fiscal adjustment, but it has not been enough." The reforms included the symbolic halving of the salaries of ministers and lawmakers, as well as moves towards implementing long-delayed measures vital to putting the public finances on a sustainable path. Maya Mhana, a teacher listening to the speech in Beirut with other protesters, was not convinced. "We are remaining in the streets, we don't believe a single word he said," she said. Protesters sang into the night in Beirut and continued to demonstrate in other parts of the country. "We don't believe that they can change in two days," said Fadi Abou Dargham, a 55-year-old jeweller. The protests have been extraordinary because of their size and geographic reach in a country where political movements are normally divided on sectarian lines and struggle to draw nationwide appeal. Lebanon has one of the world's highest levels of government debt as a share of economic output. The government includes most major parties, run by politicians widely perceived to have mobilised state resources and influence for their own gain. The economy has been hit by political paralysis and regional conflicts, compounded by strains in the financial system that have risen as inward capital flows have slowed. Unemployment among the under 35s runs at 37 per cent. Lebanese have started to feel pressures in the financial system more acutely of late, with dollars becoming harder to obtain at the official exchange rate. The pound, pegged at its current rate for two decades, has been under pressure. International donors last year pledged $11 billion to help Lebanon finance capital investment, conditional on reforms. Hariri said the new decisions would satisfy donors and the government would approve within three weeks the first phase of the capital investment programme. The government approved a 2020 budget with no new taxes and a deficit of around 0.6 per cent of national output, Hariri said, describing this as a historic achievement. The deficit for 2019 is around 7 per cent of GDP. Lebanon's large banking sector would contribute 5.1 trillion Lebanese pounds ($3.4 billion) to deficit reduction, including through an increase in the tax on bank profits, Hariri said. Steps included abolishing the information ministry and some other state bodies. The government would accelerate the long-delayed reform of the state-run power sector, which drains $2 billion from the treasury per year while failing to deliver enough power for Lebanese who depend on private generators to fill the gap. Nassib Ghobril, Byblos Bank chief economist, said the reforms sounded good on paper but there were "a lot of question marks". He criticised the increased taxes on banks, which were hit by a tax hike in 2018. Rampant evasion must be fought. "The approach seems to have not changed," he said. "The government considers the private sector only as a source of tax revenues instead of working to improve the investment climate, the business climate and raising the economy's competitiveness."

Facing protests, Lebanon approves emergency economic reforms

Lebanese protesters were expected to return to the streets for a fifth day Monday, with Prime Minister Saad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hariri-agrees-to-reforms-amid-nationwide-protests-over-economic-crisis-257191">Hariri holding a cabinet meeting</a> to try to calm the unprecedented demonstrations.

Hundreds of thousands of people from across Lebanon's sectarian divides rallied against corruption and the entire political class Sunday, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-demonstrate-again-as-lebanons-government-frays-257113"> largest such demonstrations </a>in the country for years.

Early Monday morning protesters began to block main roads and prevent employees going to work, while calls on social media urged people to boycott work.

Banks, universities and schools closed their doors Monday, with Hariri expected to offer reforms in a bid to stem the anger.

"It's a day of destiny for us. All our hard work and efforts in previous days and years were to get us to this moment," said Roni al-Asaad, a 32-year-old activist in central Beirut.

"If they could have implemented these reforms before, why haven't they? And why should we believe them today?"

At the nerve centre of the demonstrations near the country's houses of government in central Beirut, volunteers were once again collecting rubbish from the streets, many wearing face masks and plastic gloves.

The protests have grown steadily since public anger first spilled onto the streets Thursday evening in response to a proposed tax on calls via WhatsApp and other messaging services.

While the government quickly dropped that plan, the leaderless protests <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-sweep-lebanon-as-fury-at-ruling-elite-grows-over-economic-corruption-256839">morphed into demands</a> for a sweeping overhaul of the political system, with grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure.

Hariri had given his coalition partners three days to support reforms he said were crucial to get the economy back on track.

On Sunday evening a cabinet official told AFP that the parties had agreed.

The cabinet will hold a meeting chaired by President Michel Aoun at 0730 GMT&nbsp;to discuss the reforms.

Demonstrators said Hariri's proposals would not be enough, with demands for the entire political class to resign.

"All of them are warlords," said Patrick Chakar, 20. "We waited 30 years or more for them to change and they didn't."

More than a quarter of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line, the World Bank says, while the political class has remained relatively unchanged since the end of a devastating 15-year civil war in 1990.

Lebanon ranked 138 out of 180 in Transparency International's 2018 corruption index, and residents suffer chronic electricity and water shortages.

Lebanese media hailed the demonstrations.

Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to Shiite Muslim militant party Hezbollah, published a picture of protesters carrying a giant flag on its front page with a commentary on "Test Day: Power or People?".

The French-language newspaper L'Orient-Le Jour said "The hour of truth has arrived," while the English-language The Daily Star said: "Lebanon's only paths: reform or abyss."

Lebanese protesters were expected to return to the streets for a fifth day Monday, with Prime Minister Saad Hariri holding a cabinet meeting to try to calm the unprecedented demonstrations.

Lebanese protesters were expected to return to the streets for a fifth day Monday, with Prime Minister Saad Hariri holding a cabinet meeting to try to calm the unprecedented demonstrations. Hundreds of thousands of people from across Lebanon's sectarian divides rallied against corruption and the entire political class Sunday, the largest such demonstrations in the country for years. Early Monday morning protesters began to block main roads and prevent employees going to work, while calls on social media urged people to boycott work. Banks, universities and schools closed their doors Monday, with Hariri expected to offer reforms in a bid to stem the anger. "It's a day of destiny for us. All our hard work and efforts in previous days and years were to get us to this moment," said Roni al-Asaad, a 32-year-old activist in central Beirut. "If they could have implemented these reforms before, why haven't they? And why should we believe them today?" At the nerve centre of the demonstrations near the country's houses of government in central Beirut, volunteers were once again collecting rubbish from the streets, many wearing face masks and plastic gloves. The protests have grown steadily since public anger first spilled onto the streets Thursday evening in response to a proposed tax on calls via WhatsApp and other messaging services. While the government quickly dropped that plan, the leaderless protests morphed into demands for a sweeping overhaul of the political system, with grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure. Hariri had given his coalition partners three days to support reforms he said were crucial to get the economy back on track. On Sunday evening a cabinet official told AFP that the parties had agreed. The cabinet will hold a meeting chaired by President Michel Aoun at 0730 GMT to discuss the reforms. Demonstrators said Hariri's proposals would not be enough, with demands for the entire political class to resign. "All of them are warlords," said Patrick Chakar, 20. "We waited 30 years or more for them to change and they didn't." More than a quarter of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line, the World Bank says, while the political class has remained relatively unchanged since the end of a devastating 15-year civil war in 1990. Lebanon ranked 138 out of 180 in Transparency International's 2018 corruption index, and residents suffer chronic electricity and water shortages. Lebanese media hailed the demonstrations. Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to Shiite Muslim militant party Hezbollah, published a picture of protesters carrying a giant flag on its front page with a commentary on "Test Day: Power or People?". The French-language newspaper L'Orient-Le Jour said "The hour of truth has arrived," while the English-language The Daily Star said: "Lebanon's only paths: reform or abyss."

Lebanon cabinet set for key meeting as protests swell

Lebanese government agrees to put reforms in action after protests

Lebanese demonstrators prepared for the fourth day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-in-lebanon-for-fresh-protests-256895">anti-government protests</a> on Sunday, directing rage at a political elite they blame for entrenched cronyism and economic difficulties.

In an attempt to appease demonstrators, Lebanon's finance minister announced following a meeting with Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri that they had agreed on a final budget that did not include any additional taxes or fees.

Further pressure was put on Hariri late on Saturday&nbsp;when Maronite Christian leader Samir Geagea announced that his Lebanese Forces party would withdraw its four ministers from the government and called for the formation of a new one.

Government sources said the cabinet might hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss a way out of the crisis.

The budget could help it unlock billions of dollars pledged by international donors who have made their support conditional on long-delayed reforms to curb waste and corruption.

Lebanese demonstrators prepared for the fourth day of anti-government protests on Sunday, directing rage at a political elite they blame for entrenched cronyism and economic difficulties.

Lebanese demonstrators prepared for the fourth day of anti-government protests on Sunday, directing rage at a political elite they blame for entrenched cronyism and economic difficulties. In an attempt to appease demonstrators, Lebanon's finance minister announced following a meeting with Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri that they had agreed on a final budget that did not include any additional taxes or fees. Further pressure was put on Hariri late on Saturday when Maronite Christian leader Samir Geagea announced that his Lebanese Forces party would withdraw its four ministers from the government and called for the formation of a new one. Government sources said the cabinet might hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss a way out of the crisis. The budget could help it unlock billions of dollars pledged by international donors who have made their support conditional on long-delayed reforms to curb waste and corruption.

Lebanese protesters gather early to keep pressure on government

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-sweep-lebanon-as-fury-at-ruling-elite-grows-over-economic-corruption-256839">Hundreds gathered in Lebanon Saturday for the third day of protests against tax increases</a> and alleged official corruption after the security forces made dozens of arrests.

Crowds began gathering in front of the seat of government in the capital Beirut around lunchtime, with many waving billowing Lebanese flags.

Earlier, troops reopened blocked highways after security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a huge crowd of protesters who had gathered in the heart of Beirut on Friday evening.

The Internal Security Forces said 70 arrests were made.

The protesters are demanding a sweeping overhaul of Lebanon's political system, citing grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri has given his deeply divided coalition partners until Monday evening to give their backing to a reform package aimed at shoring up the government's finances and securing the disbursement of desperately needed economic assistance from donors.

Hariri's political rival, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, gave his first response on Saturday.

"We don't want the resignation of the government if the resignation means there is no government," he said, calling for Lebanese to work together.

The current unity government has the backing of most Lebanese political parties, including Hezbollah.

Groups of young people gathered on the streets of the capital on Saturday morning collecting tyres and other material to make improvised roadblocks, AFP correspondents reported.

Parts of central Beirut looked like a war zone, littered with broken glass, overturned litter bins and the remains of burning tyres. Banks and many restaurants and shops remained closed.&nbsp;

A team of workers in grey jumpsuits was dispatched to clean up the debris near parliament, even as around a dozen protesters chanted "Revolution, revolution".&nbsp;

The demonstrations first erupted on Thursday, sparked by a proposed 20 cent tax on calls via messaging apps such as WhatsApp.

Such calls are the main method of communication for many Lebanese and, despite the government's swift abandonment of the tax, the demonstrations quickly swelled into the largest in years.

Thousands of people of all ages, sects and political affiliations brought the capital to a standstill on Friday, before security forces dispersed them.

Minor clashes continued after dark, pitting groups of young men against security forces, an AFP reporter said.

Watch: Lebanon up in arms: Tyres burnt, roads blocked

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-up-in-arms-tyres-burnt-roads-blocked-256802/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One protester in the southern city of Nabatieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, vowed to continue protesting.

"They are trying to portray us as a mob, but we are demanding our rights," he told a local television channel.

"We are used to repression."

Lebanon has one of the highest public debt burdens in the world and the government is trying to reach agreement on a package of belt-tightening measures to cap the deficit in next year's budget.&nbsp;

The promised austerity moves are essential if Lebanon is to unlock $11 billion in economic assistance pledged by international donors&nbsp;last year.

Growth has plummeted in recent years, with political deadlock compounded by the impact of eight years of war in neighbouring Syria.

Lebanon's public debt stands at around $86 billion -- more than 150 percent of gross domestic product -- according to the finance ministry.

The International Monetary Fund projected on Thursday that growth would remain weak in the coming months.

Hundreds gathered in Lebanon Saturday for the third day of protests against tax increases and alleged official corruption after the security forces made dozens of arrests.

Hundreds gathered in Lebanon Saturday for the third day of protests against tax increases and alleged official corruption after the security forces made dozens of arrests. Crowds began gathering in front of the seat of government in the capital Beirut around lunchtime, with many waving billowing Lebanese flags. Earlier, troops reopened blocked highways after security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a huge crowd of protesters who had gathered in the heart of Beirut on Friday evening. The Internal Security Forces said 70 arrests were made. The protesters are demanding a sweeping overhaul of Lebanon's political system, citing grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure. Prime Minister Saad Hariri has given his deeply divided coalition partners until Monday evening to give their backing to a reform package aimed at shoring up the government's finances and securing the disbursement of desperately needed economic assistance from donors. Hariri's political rival, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, gave his first response on Saturday. "We don't want the resignation of the government if the resignation means there is no government," he said, calling for Lebanese to work together. The current unity government has the backing of most Lebanese political parties, including Hezbollah. Groups of young people gathered on the streets of the capital on Saturday morning collecting tyres and other material to make improvised roadblocks, AFP correspondents reported. Parts of central Beirut looked like a war zone, littered with broken glass, overturned litter bins and the remains of burning tyres. Banks and many restaurants and shops remained closed. A team of workers in grey jumpsuits was dispatched to clean up the debris near parliament, even as around a dozen protesters chanted "Revolution, revolution". The demonstrations first erupted on Thursday, sparked by a proposed 20 cent tax on calls via messaging apps such as WhatsApp. Such calls are the main method of communication for many Lebanese and, despite the government's swift abandonment of the tax, the demonstrations quickly swelled into the largest in years. Thousands of people of all ages, sects and political affiliations brought the capital to a standstill on Friday, before security forces dispersed them. Minor clashes continued after dark, pitting groups of young men against security forces, an AFP reporter said. Watch: Lebanon up in arms: Tyres burnt, roads blocked One protester in the southern city of Nabatieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, vowed to continue protesting. "They are trying to portray us as a mob, but we are demanding our rights," he told a local television channel. "We are used to repression." Lebanon has one of the highest public debt burdens in the world and the government is trying to reach agreement on a package of belt-tightening measures to cap the deficit in next year's budget. The promised austerity moves are essential if Lebanon is to unlock $11 billion in economic assistance pledged by international donors last year. Growth has plummeted in recent years, with political deadlock compounded by the impact of eight years of war in neighbouring Syria. Lebanon's public debt stands at around $86 billion -- more than 150 percent of gross domestic product -- according to the finance ministry. The International Monetary Fund projected on Thursday that growth would remain weak in the coming months.

Hundreds gather in Lebanon for fresh protests

The Lebanese government faced calls to resign Thursday after thousands of furious demonstrators took to the streets across the country to protest dire economic conditions.

Public anger has simmered since parliament passed an austerity budget in July to help trim a ballooning deficit and flared on Thursday over plans to tax calls on messaging applications, forcing the government to axe the unpopular measure.

Across the country, demonstrators chanted the popular refrain of the 2011 Arab Spring protests: "The people demand the fall of the regime."

Protesters in the capital blocked the road to the airport with burning tyres, prompting a heavy deployment by security forces.

Near government headquarters in central Beirut, violent confrontations broke out between protesters and security forces as demonstrators tried to storm the building.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters after the Internal Security Forces (ISF) said clashes wounded 40 of its members.

Protesters also sparked a large blaze near the Mohammad al-Amin mosque in Downtown Beirut.

"We elected them and we will remove them from power," one protester told a local TV station.

"What unites us is the standard of living -- we are all destroyed," said another.

Besides the capital Beirut, protests erupted in the southern city of Sidon, the northern city of Tripoli and the Bekaa Valley, before spreading to other areas, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Choucair said that the government had reversed its decision to tax calls on messaging apps following the unrest.

The government is weighing a series of further belt-tightening measures it hopes will rescue the ailing economy and secure $11 billion in aid pledged by international donors last year.

It is expected to announce a series of tax hikes in the coming months as part of next year's budget.

Thursday's far-reaching protests prompted calls by senior officials for the government to resign, with influential Druze politician Walid Jumblatt saying he had urged the prime minister to step down.

Interior Minister Raya al-Hassan said the prime minister will deliver a speech on Friday.

"If this government falls, the government that will come after will not have better options," she said in a statement carried by NNA.

The education ministry said schools and universities would be closed on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, Information Minister Jamal Jarrah had announced a 20-cent daily fee for messaging app users who made calls on platforms such as WhatsApp and Viber, sparking public outrage.

He told reporters after a cabinet session the move would bring $200 million annually into government coffers.

Lebanese digital rights group SMEX said the country's main mobile operators were already planning to introduce new technology that will allow them to detect whether users are trying to make internet calls using their networks.

"Lebanon already has some of the highest mobile prices in the region," SMEX said on Twitter.

The latest policy "will force users to pay for internet services twice", it added.

Growth in Lebanon has plummeted in the wake of repeated political deadlocks in recent years, compounded by the impact of eight years of war in neighbouring Syria.

"Most high-frequency indicators point towards a continuation of weak growth in 2019," the International Monetary Fund said Thursday.

Lebanon's public debt stands at around $86 billion, higher than 150 per cent of gross domestic product, according to the finance ministry.

Eighty per cent of that figure is owed to Lebanon's central bank and local banks.

Last month, banks and money exchange houses rationed dollar sales, sparking fears of a currency devaluation.

The Lebanese government faced calls to resign Thursday after thousands of furious demonstrators took to the streets across the country to protest dire economic conditions.

The Lebanese government faced calls to resign Thursday after thousands of furious demonstrators took to the streets across the country to protest dire economic conditions. Public anger has simmered since parliament passed an austerity budget in July to help trim a ballooning deficit and flared on Thursday over plans to tax calls on messaging applications, forcing the government to axe the unpopular measure. Across the country, demonstrators chanted the popular refrain of the 2011 Arab Spring protests: "The people demand the fall of the regime." Protesters in the capital blocked the road to the airport with burning tyres, prompting a heavy deployment by security forces. Near government headquarters in central Beirut, violent confrontations broke out between protesters and security forces as demonstrators tried to storm the building. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters after the Internal Security Forces (ISF) said clashes wounded 40 of its members. Protesters also sparked a large blaze near the Mohammad al-Amin mosque in Downtown Beirut. "We elected them and we will remove them from power," one protester told a local TV station. "What unites us is the standard of living -- we are all destroyed," said another. Besides the capital Beirut, protests erupted in the southern city of Sidon, the northern city of Tripoli and the Bekaa Valley, before spreading to other areas, the state-run National News Agency reported. Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Choucair said that the government had reversed its decision to tax calls on messaging apps following the unrest. The government is weighing a series of further belt-tightening measures it hopes will rescue the ailing economy and secure $11 billion in aid pledged by international donors last year. It is expected to announce a series of tax hikes in the coming months as part of next year's budget. Thursday's far-reaching protests prompted calls by senior officials for the government to resign, with influential Druze politician Walid Jumblatt saying he had urged the prime minister to step down. Interior Minister Raya al-Hassan said the prime minister will deliver a speech on Friday. "If this government falls, the government that will come after will not have better options," she said in a statement carried by NNA. The education ministry said schools and universities would be closed on Friday. Earlier on Thursday, Information Minister Jamal Jarrah had announced a 20-cent daily fee for messaging app users who made calls on platforms such as WhatsApp and Viber, sparking public outrage. He told reporters after a cabinet session the move would bring $200 million annually into government coffers. Lebanese digital rights group SMEX said the country's main mobile operators were already planning to introduce new technology that will allow them to detect whether users are trying to make internet calls using their networks. "Lebanon already has some of the highest mobile prices in the region," SMEX said on Twitter. The latest policy "will force users to pay for internet services twice", it added. Growth in Lebanon has plummeted in the wake of repeated political deadlocks in recent years, compounded by the impact of eight years of war in neighbouring Syria. "Most high-frequency indicators point towards a continuation of weak growth in 2019," the International Monetary Fund said Thursday. Lebanon's public debt stands at around $86 billion, higher than 150 per cent of gross domestic product, according to the finance ministry. Eighty per cent of that figure is owed to Lebanon's central bank and local banks. Last month, banks and money exchange houses rationed dollar sales, sparking fears of a currency devaluation.

Lebanese government faces calls to resign as austerity protests spread

Anti government protests sweep Lebanon amid economic emergency

Hundreds of people protested in Lebanon's capital Sunday over increasingly difficult living conditions, amid fears of a dollar shortage and possible price hikes.

A skirmish broke out as protesters tried to break through security barriers in front of the cabinet office and anti-riot forces pushed them back with shields and batons, an AFP photographer said.

Demonstrators briefly cut off several&nbsp;Beirut&nbsp;thoroughfares, some with burning tyres emitting billowing black smoke.&nbsp;

Around 500 people, some carrying Lebanese flags, had gathered earlier in the capital's central Martyrs' Square to march to the seats of government and parliament, the photographer said.

"Revolution, revolution," cried some of the protesters.

Outside parliament, dozens of men and women streamed in from a side street under the watchful eye of security forces, another AFP reporter said.&nbsp;

"Government, parliament... Thieves, thieves!" they chanted.

Others chanted a popular refrain of the 2011 Arab Spring protests across the region: "The people want the fall of the regime".

"We toil day and night just to be able to live," said a 52-year-old Lebanese woman, asking to remain anonymous.

"They've starved us, stolen from us. Enough is enough," she told AFP, visibly enraged.

Parliament in July passed an austerity budget aimed at rescuing an economy crumbling under massive debt and unlocking billions of dollars in international aid.

This week, fears of a dollar shortage have sparked anxiety over a possible devaluation of the Lebanese pound and price hikes.

Local press reported that banks and money exchange houses were rationing their sales of dollars, which are used alongside the pound in daily transactions.

'High cost of living'

The head of the central bank has denied that the country is facing a currency reserve crisis, but it has become very difficult to withdraw dollars from ATMs in&nbsp;Beirut.

"There's a real problem with the high cost of living," said a 33-year-old protester who gave his name as Ali Hashem.

"The pound is getting weaker and the central bank won't admit it," said the bearded young man, a black and white keffiyeh scarf draped over his head to keep off the beating sun.

If that is the case, "increase the minimum wage" of $450, he said.

In the northern seaside city of Tripoli, dozens of protesters also gathered, some setting fire to tyres, the National News Agency said.

Petrol station owners on Thursday declared a strike over banks refusing to supply them in dollars needed to pay importers.

But they suspended it the following day after reaching a deal with the government to pay suppliers in Lebanese pounds.

Economic growth in Lebanon has plummeted in the wake of repeated political deadlocks in recent years, compounded by eight years of war in neighbouring Syria.

Lebanon's public debt stands at around $86 billion -- more than 150 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) -- according to the finance ministry.

Eighty per cent of that figure is owed to Lebanon's central bank and local banks.

The small Mediterranean country has promised donors to slash public spending as part of reforms to unlock $11 billion in aid pledged at a conference in Paris last year.

Hundreds of people protested in Lebanon's capital Sunday over increasingly difficult living conditions, amid fears of a dollar shortage and possible price hikes.

Hundreds of people protested in Lebanon's capital Sunday over increasingly difficult living conditions, amid fears of a dollar shortage and possible price hikes. A skirmish broke out as protesters tried to break through security barriers in front of the cabinet office and anti-riot forces pushed them back with shields and batons, an AFP photographer said. Demonstrators briefly cut off several Beirut thoroughfares, some with burning tyres emitting billowing black smoke. Around 500 people, some carrying Lebanese flags, had gathered earlier in the capital's central Martyrs' Square to march to the seats of government and parliament, the photographer said. "Revolution, revolution," cried some of the protesters. Outside parliament, dozens of men and women streamed in from a side street under the watchful eye of security forces, another AFP reporter said. "Government, parliament... Thieves, thieves!" they chanted. Others chanted a popular refrain of the 2011 Arab Spring protests across the region: "The people want the fall of the regime". "We toil day and night just to be able to live," said a 52-year-old Lebanese woman, asking to remain anonymous. "They've starved us, stolen from us. Enough is enough," she told AFP, visibly enraged. Parliament in July passed an austerity budget aimed at rescuing an economy crumbling under massive debt and unlocking billions of dollars in international aid. This week, fears of a dollar shortage have sparked anxiety over a possible devaluation of the Lebanese pound and price hikes. Local press reported that banks and money exchange houses were rationing their sales of dollars, which are used alongside the pound in daily transactions. 'High cost of living' The head of the central bank has denied that the country is facing a currency reserve crisis, but it has become very difficult to withdraw dollars from ATMs in Beirut. "There's a real problem with the high cost of living," said a 33-year-old protester who gave his name as Ali Hashem. "The pound is getting weaker and the central bank won't admit it," said the bearded young man, a black and white keffiyeh scarf draped over his head to keep off the beating sun. If that is the case, "increase the minimum wage" of $450, he said. In the northern seaside city of Tripoli, dozens of protesters also gathered, some setting fire to tyres, the National News Agency said. Petrol station owners on Thursday declared a strike over banks refusing to supply them in dollars needed to pay importers. But they suspended it the following day after reaching a deal with the government to pay suppliers in Lebanese pounds. Economic growth in Lebanon has plummeted in the wake of repeated political deadlocks in recent years, compounded by eight years of war in neighbouring Syria. Lebanon's public debt stands at around $86 billion -- more than 150 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) -- according to the finance ministry. Eighty per cent of that figure is owed to Lebanon's central bank and local banks. The small Mediterranean country has promised donors to slash public spending as part of reforms to unlock $11 billion in aid pledged at a conference in Paris last year.

Protests in Lebanese capital over deteriorating economy

&nbsp;Syria's&nbsp;army&nbsp;has captured a strategically important town in Idlib in the rebels' last major enclave, a war monitor and a military media unit run by its ally Hezbollah reported on Sunday.

The capture of al-Hobeit represents the most significant advance the&nbsp;army&nbsp;has made in Idlib province since the start of its offensive three months ago, the Britain-based Syrian observatory for Human Rights said.

The Hezbollah media unit described the town as the gateway to the southern countryside of Idlib, to the main Damascus-Aleppo highway and to the city of Khan Sheikhoun.

Rebels have not yet commented on the fighting around al-Hobeit but this week acknowledged losing ground nearby as the&nbsp;army&nbsp;ramped up its offensive after a brief ceasefire.

Fighting on Saturday killed more than 100 fighters from both sides as the&nbsp;army&nbsp;and its allies unleashed about 2,000 air and artillery strikes against rebels dug into Syria's northwest, the Observatory said.

The three-month offensive has made slower progress than any by&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;President Bashar al-Assad since Russia entered the war on his side in 2015, prompting a run of military victories that have brought most of Syria back under his rule.

Turkey, a supporter of some rebel groups, has posted military observation posts around the enclave's front lines, complicating&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;army&nbsp;advances.

Rebels fighting to oust him are now concentrated in the northwestern enclave, covering most of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces, though they also have a small presence in the southeast near the border with Jordan.

Assad, who offered prayers for Islam's Eid al-Adha holiday in Damascus on Sunday morning, has sworn to take back every inch of Syria. However, other large areas are still beyond his control, including the Kurdish-controlled northeast and a Turkish-held strip along the frontier.

The northwest offensive has prompted warnings by the United Nations and aid agencies of a new humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people having fled the violence to seek shelter at the border with Turkey.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regime-and-russian-airstrikes-killed-15-civilians-in-northwest-syria-monitor-239097">Syrian&nbsp;military airstrikes</a> have targeted hospitals, schools, water points, markets, bakeries and other civilian infrastructure, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Panos Mumtzis, has said.

Syria's army has captured a strategically important town in Idlib in the rebels' last major enclave, a war monitor and a military media unit run by its ally Hezbollah reported on Sunday.

Syria's army has captured a strategically important town in Idlib in the rebels' last major enclave, a war monitor and a military media unit run by its ally Hezbollah reported on Sunday. The capture of al-Hobeit represents the most significant advance the army has made in Idlib province since the start of its offensive three months ago, the Britain-based Syrian observatory for Human Rights said. The Hezbollah media unit described the town as the gateway to the southern countryside of Idlib, to the main Damascus-Aleppo highway and to the city of Khan Sheikhoun. Rebels have not yet commented on the fighting around al-Hobeit but this week acknowledged losing ground nearby as the army ramped up its offensive after a brief ceasefire. Fighting on Saturday killed more than 100 fighters from both sides as the army and its allies unleashed about 2,000 air and artillery strikes against rebels dug into Syria's northwest, the Observatory said. The three-month offensive has made slower progress than any by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since Russia entered the war on his side in 2015, prompting a run of military victories that have brought most of Syria back under his rule. Turkey, a supporter of some rebel groups, has posted military observation posts around the enclave's front lines, complicating Syrian army advances. Rebels fighting to oust him are now concentrated in the northwestern enclave, covering most of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces, though they also have a small presence in the southeast near the border with Jordan. Assad, who offered prayers for Islam's Eid al-Adha holiday in Damascus on Sunday morning, has sworn to take back every inch of Syria. However, other large areas are still beyond his control, including the Kurdish-controlled northeast and a Turkish-held strip along the frontier. The northwest offensive has prompted warnings by the United Nations and aid agencies of a new humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people having fled the violence to seek shelter at the border with Turkey. Syrian military airstrikes have targeted hospitals, schools, water points, markets, bakeries and other civilian infrastructure, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Panos Mumtzis, has said.

Syrian army takes strategic town from rebels in new advance

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