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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |