Tranquility has returned to central Beirut after new night confrontations between the Lebanese security forces and demonstrators protesting the Hassan Diab government, which was formed days ago amid a political division and a worsening economic and financial crisis.
With the passage of a hundred days since the movement began demanding deep political and economic reforms, clashes erupted on Saturday evening, after protesters attempted to remove iron barriers placed in a street leading to the seat of government.
The security forces dispersed the protesters, using water cannons and then tear gas to remove them from the separation bar between Riyadh al-Solh Square and the government headquarters.
The security forces asked the peaceful demonstrators to leave the place for their safety, and confirmed in a statement that their request followed the recording of what they described as riots and attacks on its members.
During the protests last night, banners were raised expressing the demonstrators' lack of confidence in the government that was announced last Tuesday night, and which opponents say are linked to political parties and are not independent.
In light of the severe economic and financial conditions, the new government seeks to gain the confidence of the international economic institutions and the major Western powers traditionally supporting Lebanon, led by the United States and France.