Lebanon mourns riot victims

Beirut: Lebanon was set to mark on Monday a day of mourning for seven people killed in a flurry of violent protests in Beirut.

The seven were killed when the army opened fire to disperse hundreds of opposition supporters who protested against power cuts by blocking major roads in Beirut on Sunday.

Five political activists were among those killed. Officials said that more than 19 people were wounded.

The bloodshed came amid fears of civil unrest in Lebanon, which has been without a president since November 23 and days after a car bomb attack killed a top intelligence officer.

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora condemned the violence and called for a national day of mourning on Monday.

"This is an hour of sadness. Our country is passing through the most dangerous times," he said. "I call on all the people to put their trust in the army at these most difficult times."

The French embassy urged its citizens to exercise caution and avoid any travel in Beirut while Canada advised its nationals against travelling to Lebanon.