Posted on 09/11/2006 1:14:25 AM PDT by HAL9000
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has arrived in Lebanon amid tight security, as protesters squared off with riot police in the centre of Beirut.He will discuss ways of strengthening the government and enforcing the ban on arms shipments to the militant Islamic group Hezbollah.
Many Lebanese have criticised Mr Blair for not demanding an early ceasefire during Israel's bombardment in July.
Lebanon's most senior Shia cleric has tried to have the visit cancelled.
The most senior Shia cleric in Lebanon, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, has called on the government there to declare Mr Blair persona non grata.
Lebanese newspapers have been carrying headlines saying Mr Blair is not welcome in Lebanon, and protesters have gathered in the centre of Beirut.
Mr Blair travelled to Lebanon from a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Blair plan rejected
Hamas, the militant group heading the Palestinian Authority, rejected his proposals that it should join a unity government which recognised Israel.
A spokesman said the group was willing to form a coalition, but it would not accept conditions imposed from outside.
Mr Blair said a unity government would allow western donors to end a boycott, imposed after Hamas came to power earlier this year.
He was speaking after talks in Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Mr Abbas said on Sunday that he was ready for an "unconditional" meeting with his Israeli counterpart.
The previous day, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said he was prepared for talks without conditions, after meetings with Mr Blair.
CNN - A protestor walks right in front of Blair with an anti-Israel banner, disrupting his press conference. Where is the security?
Cindy, Ping!
If CNN's info is accurate; and if I was Blair; I would fire whoever was supposed to be my security detail at that press conference ASAP.
Completely agree.
I just saw it happen live.
Thanks Hal9000.
Then, if I was Mr. Blair, I would fire my security detail ASAP and get someone in there that can do the job.
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel.
also Keywords 2006israelwar or WOT [War on Terror]
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Paid off by a dodgy Scot with a glass eye, I expect...
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