Lebanese opposition supporters have been lifting street blockades after a nationwide day of protest led by the pro-Syrian Hizballah movement.

Thousands of protesters blocked roads with rubble and burning tires today in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, at the start of a general strike intended to put pressure on Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Britain and the United States have condemned the killing in Beirut of the Lebanese cabinet minister and prominent anti-Syrian politician Pierre Gemayel.