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Monday, 28 February 2005, 19:11 GMT

In pictures: Beirut protest

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Lebanese pro-opposition demonstrators cheered when Prime Minister Omar Karami announced he and his government were resigning.

Opposition demonstrators in Beirut

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They had descended on downtown Beirut on Monday in their thousands to protest against the government.

Lebanese opposition supporters sleep ahead of an anti-Syria rally

Lebanese opposition supporters sleep ahead of an anti-Syria rally

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Many had spent the night on Martyrs' Square, before a government ban on rallies came into force at dawn.

Lebanese opposition supporters joining the protest

Lebanese opposition supporters joining the protest

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Many others found ways of joining the demonstration.

Beirut protestor waving a Lebanese flag

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The government is accused of allowing its backer, Syria, to undermine Lebanese sovereignty.

Lebanese opposition supporter

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The protesters blame both the Beirut government and Syria for the killing of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri.

Commando troops

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Lebanese commando forces were deployed as demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of Syrian troops.

Protesters scuffle with police in Beirut

Protesters scuffle with police in Beirut

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There were minor scuffles but the police did not attempt to break up the protest, despite the ban.

Pro-opposition protester distributes roses to Lebanese security forces

Pro-opposition protester distributes roses to Lebanese security forces

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The atmosphere between protesters and troops was said to be good-natured.

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