EgyptAir and the Middle East Airlines of Lebanon resumed flights to Lebanon on Wednesday after a 24-hour break owing to Lebanese opposition strike, Egypt's MENA news agency reported.

 

Mohsen Khalil, Director General of EgyptAir, said a flight by the Middle East Airlines took off to Lebanon on Wednesday afternoon with 91 passengers aboard.

 

The Lebanese authorities had closed ports and airports on the heels of the eruption of clashes between the opposition and ruling majority.

 

On Tuesday, thousands of Lebanese demonstrators have paralyzed most parts of Beirut, barricading roads as part of a general strike called by the Lebanese opposition.

 

Smoke billowed over the city as protestors burned tires and flights in and out were cancelled as roads to the airport were blocked.

 

The Hezbollah-led opposition called the strike as part of its drive to topple Fouad Seniora's government and demanding for new elections.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2007)