This could happen as a result of a continuing investigation into the murder nearly two years ago of the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri.

He told the Lebanese prime minister that Hizbullah fighting against Israel has "lifted the spirit of the Arab people".

For the first time, the Lebanese prime minister conceded last week that the government has been helpless until now.

The Lebanese minister of foreign affairs criticised the drawings saying that freedom of speech ends when sacred values are offended.

He served in the Lebanese Parliament from 1943 to 1946, and then as the Lebanese foreign minister intermittently from 1945 to 1947.

The Lebanese prime minister at the time literally cried after signing the treaty.

The Syrian and Lebanese foreign ministers have published an announcement endorsing these unjustified acts of aggression.

"The losses are immeasurable," said Nayla Moawad, the Lebanese minister for social affairs.

It was attended by scores of fans as well as the Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri.

The administration does not talk to Syria; it withdrew its ambassador last year after the assassination of a former Lebanese prime minister.