Lebanese PM quits amid anti-govt protests

BEIRUT, Lebanon - The Lebanese prime minister submitted his government's resignation on Tuesday, bowing to nearly two weeks of unprecedented nationwide protests against corruption.

Saad Hariri's somber televised address was met by cheers from crowds of protesters who have mobilized since Oct 17, crippling the country to press their demands.

"It has become necessary for us to create a great shock to fix the crisis. I am going to the Baabda Palace to submit the government's resignation," said Hariri, who had already stepped down twice from the same post.

He said his decision came "in response to the will of many Lebanese who took to the streets to demand change".

The move, the demonstrators' most significant win yet, will trigger the complicated task of parliament forming a new government - if the president accepts it.

Hariri's announcement came after days of apparently unfruitful efforts to reshuffle posts within his uneasy coalition, as tension mounted on the ground between protesters and security forces bent on reopening the country for business.

It also followed clashes between protesters and counter-demonstrators, which sparked fears of deeper civil strife.

In his speech on Tuesday, Hariri said he had reached a dead end, urging the political class to protect the country.

"Hariri is opening the door to a solution because the resignation is the only way for a decent exit from the current crisis," said Sami Nader, director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs.

After Hariri's announcement, protestors across the country erupted in applause.

Hundreds gathered in the northern city of Tripoli - a stronghold of the Sunni prime minister - as well as the southern city of Sidon, from where his family hails.

In Tripoli, home to festive protest raves, large crowds gathered in the main al-Nour Square waving the Lebanese flag.

"This resignation is welcome but it is not enough," said Tima Samir, a 35-year-old mother of two. "We want the entire system to change."

In Sidon's central square, people sang and danced, as stores gave away free sweets.

Ahed Madi, a demonstrator, said the festive scenes were especially symbolic. "Saad Hariri is from this city and this city has always embraced him. But today, the people want change," he said.

Protesters have insisted on a complete overhaul of the country's sectarian-based governance and celebrated the emergence of a national civic identity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday warned against violence in Lebanon following Hariri's resignation. "The secretary-general calls on all sides to maintain peace and avoid violence, and security forces to show restraint and to protect civilians, including peaceful protesters," said Farhan Haq, his deputy spokesman.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for Lebanese political leaders to "urgently" form a new government.

While France, one of Hariri's top allies and Lebanon's key partner in a crucial $11-billion aid plan, voiced its fears that his resignation "makes the crisis even more serious".

Agencies - Xinhua

(China Daily 10/31/2019 page11)