Beirut security tightens as protests continue

Organizers have been communicating to the crowd through speakers erected on a nearby stage and blasting anthems in support of Hezbollah, which is pro-Syrian.

The militia group started the campaign in a bid to gain a bigger share in the cabinet that would give it power to veto government decisions.

Major issues: Syria, religion, parliament's makeup

The political crisis began after Hezbollah's two ministers and four allies resigned from the cabinet in November after Siniora and his slim anti-Syrian majority in parliament rejected demands for a new national unity government.

The current government is largely backed by Sunni Muslims and Christians who oppose involvement in the country's affairs by Syria. In 2005, mass protests in Lebanon forced Damascus to end a nearly three-decade military occupation.

Siniora and his supporters have characterized Hezbollah's campaign as a coup attempt led by neighbouring Syria and its ally, Iran, a stance echoed by Washington. Hezbollah, backed by most Shia Muslims and some Christians, contends the fight is against American influence, alleging the United States now dominates Lebanon in the interests of Israel.

The unrest has also split the country along sectarian lines, with most Sunni Muslims supporting the Sunni prime minister and Shia Muslims backing Hezbollah. Christian factions are split between the two camps.

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