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Thousands of Syrians Protest Against UN Inquiry into Killing | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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A Lebanese soldier watches from his position during fighting between Lebanese gunmen and Palestinian militants in Lebanon (R)


A Lebanese soldier watches from his position during fighting between Lebanese gunmen and Palestinian militants in Lebanon (R)

A Lebanese soldier watches from his position during fighting between Lebanese gunmen and Palestinian militants in Lebanon (R)

DAMASCUS (Reuters) – Chanting anti-American slogans, thousands of Syrians protested in the capital on Monday against a U.N. inquiry they say unfairly blames Damascus for the killing of Lebanese former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

Demonstrators said Washington instigated the U.N. probe to pile pressure on Syria for its struggle against Israel and opposition to the 2003 invasion of neighbouring Iraq.

&#34We don”t fear America, down with America,&#34 some youths chanted. Others carried banners that read: &#34Syria is not another Iraq.&#34

Witnesses said several thousand protesters, mainly youths and state employees, were encouraged by the authorities to take to the streets, while schools allowed pupils out to join in.

The U.N. inquiry led by German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis found last week the decision to kill Hariri &#34could not have been taken without the approval of top-ranked Syrian security officials&#34 colluding with officials in Lebanon.

Its report to the Security Council named senior Syrian security officials and their Lebanese allies as suspects in the murder that transformed Lebanon”s political landscape.

The demonstrations in Damascus coincide with the start of a state campaign to rally Syrian public opinion against the U.N. report it says is politically motivated and does not provide enough evidence to indict any officials.

&#34Excuse me Mr Mehlis the report did not convince me and it only serves Zionist and American goals,&#34 another banner said.

A Lebanese supporter of Lebanon's slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri holds up a picture of him (AP)

A Lebanese supporter of Lebanon’s slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri holds up a picture of him (AP)

Lebanese gunman fires from his weapon during gun battle near Ain al Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon Lebanon (R)

Lebanese gunman fires from his weapon during gun battle near Ain al Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in Sidon Lebanon (R)