Lebanese protesters call for anti-Syria 'uprising'
Government says it welcomes inquiry into Hariri killing

CNN
February 18, 2005

EXCERPT:

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNN) -- Thousands of people took to the streets Friday in various parts of Lebanon as opposition leaders called for people around the world to support a peaceful "uprising" against Syrian armed forces in Lebanon and the pro-Syrian government.

Demonstrators -- marching three days after former prime minister Rafik Hariri and 16 others were killed in an explosion -- chanted "Syria out" and carried candles.

Peaceful opposition protests for democracy and freedom are rare in the Middle East.

The statement from opposition leaders asked for "all Lebanese expatriates to write to their governments and demonstrate in the countries that they are in, in support of our freedom and liberating us from this illegitimate government and, of course, for the Syrian pullout."

The statement also requested assistance from Arab countries and the United Nations in getting rid of "this illegitimate government."