A prominent anti-Syria journalist was killed when a bomb exploded in his car in Beirut today, prompting the opposition to demand the resignation of Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.
The killing of columnist Samir Kassir four days after the start of Lebanon's staggered parliamentary elections shocked a country that is only just coming to terms with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in February.
It also drew opposition charges that Syria and its Lebanese security allies were behind the assassination. The United Nations, United States and France the condemned the killing and called for a swift investigation.
"The opposition sees the response to this new crime should be... the resignation of the president as the effective head of the security and intelligence regime," a statement issued after a meeting of anti-Syrian opposition leaders said.
Security sources said Kassir died instantly when a bomb under the driver's seat blew up as he switched on the ignition outside his home in the Christian neighbourhood of Ashrafieh. The lower part of his body was torn apart.
A passer-by was injured and several cars were damaged and windows in nearby buildings were shattered by the explosion.
Interior Minister Hassan al-Sabaa said the bomb weighed 500-700 grams and was probably detonated by remote control.