Syrian intelligence agents have pulled out of Beirut and large parts of Lebanon in a major step towards meeting US and Lebanese opposition demands for Syria to release its grip on the country.
Witnesses said Syrian intelligence officers moved out of their Beirut headquarters in the seafront Ramlet al-Baida district after a small bulldozer demolished two guard posts while trucks loaded with office equipment drove away.
Pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami, struggling to form a united government, urged both sides of Lebanon's political divide to stop holding the rival demonstrations.
The protests have been used as a trial of strength since the 14 February killing of ex-premier Rafik al-Hariri.
