Controversial preacher to protest Syrian regime's 'massacres'

Controversial Sidon-based Sheikh Ahmad Assir announced Wednesday a protest in the coastal city to condemn what he described as "Assad's massacres." "The call issued for Sunday by Sheikh Ahmad Assir comes in coordination with official and security institutions and South Lebanon Governor Nicolas Abu Daher," a statement by Assir's office said. It added that the protest was to voice rejection of President Bashar Assad's "massacres and his exporting of strife to Lebanon," The statement denied that the call was for a general strike, as reported by some local media. Earlier Wednesday, Assir met with Abu Daher as well as Internal Security Forces Brig. Gen. Tareq Abdallah where they discussed the security situation in Sidon. Following the meeting, Assir told reporters that the meeting was "very positive" and saw discussion of important issues including the security of the country and civil peace.