Lebanese opposition groups are rallying in Beirut, defying a government ban and sparking fears of clashes. Opponents of the Syria-backed government are gathering to demand an inquiry into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The ban was imposed after pro-government groups called for a counter-demonstration at the same time and place as the anti-government one. The pro-government, pro-Syrian rally has been convened partly to protest against the arrival in Beirut of a US deputy secretary of state, David Satterfield. Opposition supporters who had spent the night camped out in central Beirut sang the national anthem and waved Lebanese flags as the ban came into effect at 0500 local time (0300 GMT), watched by soldiers who had sealed off surrounding roads. Opposition leader Akram Shehayeb addressed the crowd and exhorted the soldiers to join in the protest. Interior Minister Suleiman Franjieh has ordered the army to use all necessary force to prevent crowds from congregating.

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