Scuffles in Lebanon ahead of vote of confidence

Lebanese security forces scuffled with protesters on Tuesday near the parliament building in downtown Beirut, where the new Cabinet is scheduled to submit its policy statement ahead of a vote of confidence. Special forces and riot policemen were deployed on major roads in Beirut and its suburbs.

The security forces sealed off the zone leading to parliament to prevent protesters from blocking the path of lawmakers.

Protesters blocked roads further afield in an effort to prevent them from reaching the building.

Lebanon has been gripped by anti-government protests since October.

The protests forced the resignation of the former prime minister, Saad Hariri.

New Prime Minister Hassan Diab is expected to read the new government's policy statement, which includes a rescue plan.

The meeting is being held amid a crippling economic and financial crisis, Lebanon's worst in decades.