Opposition supporters in Lebanon have vowed to carry on their protest in Beirut in a bid to drive Syrian forces from the country after the collapse of the Damascus-backed government.
The pro-Syrian government of Prime Minister Omar Karami resigned yesterday after two weeks of protests piled more pressure on Damascus, already under fire from the United States and Israel.
Thousands of demonstrators turned Beirut celebrated when the government unexpectedly quit after a parliament debate on the killing of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri.
Many protesters also demanded the resignation of Lebanon's Syrian-backed President Emile Lahoud.
Syria plays a dominant role in Lebanon and maintains 14,000 troops there, but pressure has been growing within Lebanon and from abroad for a complete military withdrawal.
Protesters have gathered in Beirut's central Martyrs' Square, which they dubbed Freedom Square, ever since Mr Hariri's assassination on February 14th to demand the withdrawal of Syrian troops and the resignation of all top pro-Syrian political and security officials.
Opposition deputies, many war-time foes, have joined forces, capitalising on fury over Mr Hariri's death to pressure those they blame - Syria and the government. Syria has denied any role.