'You Stink' activists target politicians

Activists gathered outside parliament on Wednesday, pelting the cars of passing politicians with eggs and accusing them of corruption.

Despite intense sandstorm across the region, organizers of the "You Stink" campaign group promised even larger demonstrations later in the day.

"Whatever the weather conditions, we will meet," the group said in a statement on Facebook. "It was a country... but it was turned into a massive landfill! Let's all take to the streets on Wednesday to pressure all the corrupted leaders," said the group.

Party leaders met seeking to break months of political deadlock that has crippled public services. Large metal barricades were set up around the parliament ahead of the meeting. As the first of the politicians arrived, protesters carrying trays of eggs targeted the vehicles, shouting "thieves."

Failed appeal for accord

Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, leader of the largely Shiite Amal movement, called for a "national dialogue" among major parties. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tammam Salam said he hoped "that the participants will be able to reach an end to the crisis."

However, the meeting ended with no agreement other than that a new session would be held on September 16.

Protests initially arose in response to a waste disposal crisis that followed the closure of Beirut's largest landfill. Salam promised that the extraordinary cabinet meeting later on Wednesday would address the issue.

The demonstration movement last saw major protests on August 29, when tens of thousands descended on the capital's Martyr's Square. Organizers are demanding the resignation of the environment minister and new parliamentary and presidential elections.

Lebanon has had no president for more than a year amid a dispute about election law, with members of parliament twice illegally extending their terms.

rc/kms (AP, AFP, Reuters)