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General strike and confrontations shake Lebanon
BEIRUT, January 23.—From north to
south and east to west, in Christian and Muslim
areas, the Lebanese opposition, headed by the Party
of God (Hezbollah) demonstrated its strength with a
call for a general strike that paralyzed the country
before being suspended during the night, PL cables.
The media reported clashes
between groups opposed to the Lebanese government of
Fuad Siniora and his followers, in which five people
died and more than 10 were injured.
Street battles with stones, clubs
and firearms took place in the Corniche Mazraa, an
area also known as Walid Beyk, in the west of the
capital, as well as in the center and east.
The clash also extended to the
country’s presidency, given that the prime minister,
ex-general Emil Lajud, refused to recognize the
government.
Through Nicholas Burns, its
assistant secretary of state for the Middle East,
the United States took the side of the Siniora
cabinet, known for its proximity to Washington’s
interests.
Translated by Granma International
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