Lebanese protesting against sectarian political systemMarch 7, 2011 - 11:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Around 8,000 people protested in Beirut on Match 6 against Lebanon's sectarian political system, chanting the same slogans as demonstrators who toppled presidents in Tunisia and Egypt. The constitution in Lebanon, which has been without a government since Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri was toppled by Hezbollah and its political allies in January, enshrines a division of power between different religious sects. But critics say the delicate power-sharing has also hindered development, fuelled corruption and entrenched the leaders of Lebanan's various Christian and Muslim factions. "Bread, knowledge, freedom. And no to political sectarianism", one banner at the protest read. "The people want the overthrow of the system," protesters chanted, echoing the calls which have swept through the Arab world in recent weeks. The demonstration was held outside Lebanon's electricity ministry which protesters said was a symbol of the corruption and inefficiency Lebanon's sectarian system had produced. The ministry is unable to deliver a 24-hour power supply, Reuters reports. Lebanon suffered a 15-year civil war which ended in 1990 and killed 150,000 people. Major sectarian violence, threatening to tip the country into a new civil war, also broke out in 2008. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |