Protesters pour into Beirut demanding government resignation
Source: AP
By BASSEM MROUE
BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of protesters poured into central Beirut on Sunday demanding that the country's top politicians resign, hours after Prime Minister Tammam Salam hinted he might step down following violent protests triggered by a monthlong trash crisis.
The demonstrations, the largest in years, railed against the corruption and dysfunction that has brought about Lebanon's current political crisis. The country does not have a functioning Cabinet or parliament, and hasn't had a president for more than a year.
Salam said in a news conference at the government's headquarters that if this Thursday's Cabinet meeting is not productive, "then there is no need for the council of ministers."
Lebanon has a sectarian power-sharing system that ensures equal representation between the country's main religious sects. The arrangement often leads to complete paralysis.
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Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam speaks during a press conference at the government palace in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015. Salam hinted he might resign after violent protests by people demonstrating against government corruption and political dysfunction amid a trash crisis. He said that security forces who used force against protesters will be held accountable and that the right to demonstrate is protected by the constitution. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/e209ac2bb98541d58f07d8c59ea68409/lebanese-pm-hints-he-might-resign-after-protests
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