UPDATE

Lebanese gloom at continuing crisis
By Kim Ghattas BBC News, Beirut Campaigners print white hands on black to symbolise hopes for peace Four months of protests, on-going sit-ins and general tension are taking their toll on the Lebanese, but there is no breakthrough in sight. There was some hope that a solution to the political crisis would be found before the Arab League summit in Riyadh which started on 28 March. Instead, separate delegations of rival politicians have headed to the Saudi capital to represent Lebanon. They are likely to come back to Beirut after the meeting - much to the disappointment of those Lebanese who cheerfully sing along with a humorous hit song that plays on local television every evening. "Lebanon's leaders have left, our joy is great. We can live in peace, our country is a paradise once more," the song goes. "We're tired of listening to their speeches, we've put them all on a boat and sent them on a cruise far away from here." Lack of confidence The words are an indictment of Lebanon's political class and it reflects the lack of confidence in politicians on both sides of the divide. "If some politicians felt the song was too tough on them, never mind. The politicians have made people suffer too," said Ghadi Rahbani, the composer. "Maybe this song will push the politicians to wake up and realise there are real problems in this country that need to be dealt with." Up to now, politically speaking, nothing has been achieved. But you need two to tango - we are responsible for the crisis but the one who is holding power has more responsibility Ali Hamdan Opposition politician But are the leaders listening? Ali Hamdan is a member of the opposition, which has been demanding a greater say in the government and has been holding an ongoing protest in the centre of Beirut to keep up the pressure. The opposition sit-in has paralysed economic life and sapped confidence in the country's future. So what does Mr Hamdan think of the song, and about the current political crisis? "It's democracy, so they have the right to say this. I don't think the Lebanese want their leaders to leave. If they do, well the elections are coming," he said. But so what has opposition achieved so far? Mr Hamdan's response was candid. "Up to now, politically speaking, nothing has been achieved. But you need two to tango - we are responsible for the crisis but the one who is holding power has more responsibility," he said. Fear of chaos But the government and the parliamentary majority are also coming under criticism, even from some of their supporters. They have been accused of being stubborn and holding on to power at the expense of the country. New people, new faces that we can really look at and hope. I think it's the best solution right now Omar "I think this song is a little bit unfair but I understand why the people would sing that song, because people are lost," said cabinet minister Nayla Moawad. "But in spite of a certain discontent, they are still with us and I hope we will be able to fulfil a good part of their expectations," she said. "We certainly have a part of responsibility. It's difficult to build a nation in those conditions." I asked Ms Moawad why the government didn't resign if they were unable to do their job. "It sometimes feels like that would be the easiest solution. But if there are no generations behind us who can take immediately the control of the situation. We would be heavily responsible for chaos, a total chaos in Lebanon," she said. Two camps, both saying they represent the people, both saying the other side bears more responsibility for the crisis. The deadlock is splitting the country. In January, supporters of the opposition and of the government clashed on the streets of Beirut and seven people were killed. New faces, new solution On the streets of Beirut, there are small events, organised by civil society groups that are campaigning against division and violence. The army deployed to keep pro-and anti-government supporters apart The Lebanese fear they may be dragged back into a war. People like Reem Mobassali blame all politicians and the people who follow them blindly in a country where sectarian patrons wield considerable power. "We've set up a black banner here and we're all dipping our hands in white paint and printing them on the banner," explained Reem. "The idea is hand by hand, citizen by citizen, we can take back the situation and turn a brighter light onto it and put pressure on the politicians to act more responsibly, to behave like public servants." It is all a far cry from the mood two years ago, when hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets, full of hope, calling for change after years of Syrian military occupation. The Syrians are gone now but a lot of Lebanese feel not much else is different. This year, apart from a small concert to commemorate those demonstrations and protest against the current state of affairs, there seems to be little left of what was dubbed the Cedar Revolution. In the centre of Beirut, near the site of the massive protests of 2005, Lebanese rap band Ashekman sang about their love for Lebanon, their anger at the bickering politicians and world players interfering in their country's affairs. As they listened, young people said it was time to find a solution. One young man, Omar, said: "New people, new faces that we can really look at and hope. I think it's the best solution right now." E-mail this to a friend Printable version		LEBANON POLITICAL CRISIS KEY STORIES Rival teams to represent Lebanon Bolton admits truce block Arrests over bus bombings EU optimistic after Lebanon talks PM 'says Israel pre-planned war' Lebanese gloom Four months of protests take their toll on the Lebanese, but there's no breakthrough in sight BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS Hariri probe 'progress on motive' Slow recovery in south Lebanon Lebanon's fears after bus blasts Quick guide: Hezbollah The Lebanese crisis explained Mid-East crisis: Facts and figures PROFILES Profile: Fouad Siniora Profile: Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah Who are Hezbollah? HAVE YOUR SAY Lebanese viewpoints on strike RELATED INTERNET LINKS Lebanese presidency The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites TOP MIDDLE EAST STORIES