A car bomb has exploded in Beirut, killing the driver of a recently resigned government minister. Former economy minister Marwan Hamadeh was taken to hospital with wounds to his face and legs. His condition was said to be stable. The bomb went off in a side-street of the Lebanese capital as his car was passing. He had just left his home, about 100 yards away. Mr Hamadeh was one of four ministers who resigned early last month.
He stepped down in protest at parliament's decision to extend Syrian-backed President Emile Lahoud's term by three years despite widespread opposition. |