Lebanon protesters call on government to resign amid crisis

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese protesters took to the streets in the capital and other cities in mostly peaceful protests against the government, calling for its resignation as the small country sinks deeper into economic distress. Saturday's protests came after two days of rallies spurred by a dramatic collapse of the local currency against the dollar. Those rallies degenerated into violence, including attacks on private banks and shops. The unrivaled economic and financial crises are proving a major challenge to the government of Prime Minister Hassan Diab, who took office earlier this year after his predecessor resigned amid nationwide protests. Diab called for patience in a speech Saturday.