An angry protester accusing Tony Blair of complicity in the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon disrupted a news conference and thousands more shouted outside Monday as the British prime minister visited Beirut in a show of support for the nation's government.
The protester was identified as Caoimhe Butterly, a well-known Irish peace activist.
"It's all right, we are in a democracy...we respect all sorts of expression," the Lebanese PM Fuad Saniora said.
Blair said he understood the anger in Lebanon. "Of course feelings run high, innocent people lost their lives here, this country ... has been set back by years," said Blair. He pledged Britain would help Lebanon rebuild. Both he and Saniora said pushing for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was crucial to securing stability in the entire region.
"I hope out of ... what has been a tragic and terrible time, we can rebuild in a way that gives not just lasting peace here in the Lebanon but a lasting peace in the region," Blair said. "I believe it can be done. And furthermore I commit myself for the remainder of my time in office to do everything I can to bring that about."
Saniora said the Palestinian issue was the core issue in the region and the Islamic world, calling on Blair "to play a positive role in reviving the peace process." "Only by addressing the underlying causes can we guarantee peace and security for the Middle East," Saniora added.
Outside, about 5,000 protesters -- kept about half a mile (800 meters) from the government headquarters -- shouted angry chants.
