Tammam Salam

Hezbollah later issued a statement saying it supported peaceful protests against "endemic corruption," calling it a legitimate right. The statement suggested the powerful group was throwing its weight behind the protest movement now calling on the government to resign.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam had called for the emergency meeting after a weekend of clashes between security forces and demonstrators protesting against corruption and poor public services.

The clashes broke out shortly before sunset Sunday when angry protesters tried to break through barbed wire leading to the government's headquarters.

Police also beat back protesters with clubs. The protesters hurled stones and water bottles at the force, injuring at least two who were seen whisked away by their comrades.