‘Cedar Revolution’ Growing in Lebanon

Anti-Syrian demonstrations being dubbed the "Cedar Revolution" were not ended by the resignation of Prime Minister Omar Kerame. Protesters continued to crowd Lebanon’s streets yesterday (March 2) as well.

Although Russia has been having trouble in its relations with the US lately, it has also wanted Syria to pull its troops out of Lebanon in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution dated September 2nd. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Alexander Yakovenko emphasized the necessity of the withdrawal: "It will contribute to a permanent and fair peace in the Middle East. We believe that all the decisions of the Security Council should be followed." The Russian spokesperson also warned the Damascus administration not to take any steps that could endanger the stability in the region. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder also said "the sooner the better" regarding Syria’s withdrawal from Lebanon. While in Bahrain yesterday as part of a Gulf tour, Schroder urged Syria to obey UN resolution number 1559, which requires withdrawal from Lebanon.

Syria has 14,000 troops in Lebanon and is under tremendous pressure by Lebanese opposition as well as the international community to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, especially since Hariri was assassinated.

The Lebanese opposition says the demonstrations will go on until Syrian soldiers leave Lebanon. A prominent opposition leader from the Druze congregation Socialist Party, Velid Canbolat, said he was pleased with news that Syrian President Bassar Asad announced there would be a "withdrawal within a few months." Lebanese demonstrators told a Cihan News Agency (CIHAN) correspondent that they are demanding a government that can come to power through democratic channels as well as the removal of Syrian soldiers from Lebanon. One of the demonstrators, who wanted to remain anonymous, stressed their determination: "Our protest will go on until Syrian troops completely leave our country. The Security and Intelligence directors should also resign. After the election, we want the formation of a common government including all Lebanese groups." Another protestor said the government’s resignation is not sufficient and that they will continue to demonstrate until a government willing to fulfill the demands of the Lebanese people is formed.