Lebanon's Syrian-backed government resigned today in a surprise decision greeted with jubilation by thousands of protesters in central Beirut gathering to demand the withdrawal of Syrian troops.
Prime Minister Omar Karami's government came under unprecedented pressure after the February 14 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.
Protesters turned their sights on the president and demanded he also step down.
"The people have won," main opposition leader Walid Jumblatt told LBC television after Karami announced the resignation of the cabinet to a parliament session debating Hariri's killing.
Ecstatic protesters, having got their wish for the government's resignation, chanted "Syria out" and "Freedom, sovereignty, independence".
Syria has wielded political and military power in its smaller neighbour for decades.
They also chanted "Lahoud, you're turn is next", in reference to pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud.
Martyrs Square, by Hariri's grave, was a sea of Lebanese flags, red and white with a cedar tree in the centre.
Thousands of protesters watched the debate live on large screens while loudspeakers blared patriotic songs.
Cheers and applause erupted when Karami resigned. In parliament, opposition MPs wearing the red-and-white scarves that have come to symbolise their movement, gave a standing ovation.
"Out of concern that the government does not become an obstacle to the good of the country, I announce the resignation of the government I had the honour to lead," Mr Karami said.
A 22-year-old Karami supporter was shot dead as supporters of the prime minister rioted in his home town of Tripoli, firing assault rifles in the air and burning tyres and photographs of Hariri, witnesses and hospital sources said a Karami's government had a majority and was expected to win a no-confidence vote that was to close the debate on the killing that brought back memories of Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war.
But peaceful protests against the government and its Syrian backers were unprecedented in their scale and scope.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters the event "represents an opportunity for the Lebanese people to have a government that is truly representative of their country's diversity."