Wednesday, February 23, 2005

The ugly face of Lebanon: "A statement signed by more than 35 Syrian intellectuals and human rights activists addressed to their Lebanese counterparts said: "We support your demand for the withdrawal of the Syrian Army from Lebanon and in correcting the Syrian-Lebanese relationship." "But we are extremely pained and angry to see and hear that some Lebanese are insulting Syria and its people without (it) being guilty, and attacking hapless Syrian workers, who are seeking a living in" Lebanon, it said. Dozens of Hariri's supporters also clashed with Syrian workers in the former premier's hometown, Sidon, leaving several Syrians with minor injures. In the Bekaa, reports emerged of various shootings and killings of Syrian workers, and rumors that Sukleen cleaning company no longer has any Syrian workers."