Thousands gather for Gemayel funeral

Thousands of people have gathered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut for the funeral of Pierre Gemayel, who was assassinated on Tuesday (November 21st).

Supporters of the politician urged people to attend and create a strong and defiant message of support for the incumbent ? but beleaguered ? Maronite Christian Phalange Party.

The crowd is a fluid body of waving flags and horn blowing, clogging the streets and draping images of Mr Gemayel over cars and buses.

The country's prime minister, Fouad Siniora, faces the prospect of the resignation ? or death ? of two more cabinet ministers bringing down the government.

Before Mr Gemayel's death, pro-Syrian ministers quit the government and so far six anti-Syrian figures have been killed in less than two years, according to Reuters.

The US rallied behind the Lebanese government yesterday as President George Bush condemned the escalation in violence.

"Today we saw again the vicious face of those who oppose freedom. We strongly condemn the assassination today in Lebanon of Pierre Gemayel.

"We support the Siniora government and its democracy and we support the Lebanese people's desire to live in peace.

"And we support their efforts to defend their democracy against attempts by Syria, Iran and allies, to foment instability and violence in that important country."

The BBC noted that the UN has agreed to help the Lebanese government investigate the assassination, with Syria opting to not participate in the investigation over the former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri's assassination last year.

Syria has ardently denied any involvement in the murder of both Mr Gemayel and Mr al-Hariri and condemned the attack.