Lebanese opposition protestors wave their national flag in downtown Beirut. Lebanon's Western-backed cabinet vowed not to cave in to calls to resign after a massive demonstration led by the pro-Syrian group Hezbollah, as protesters camped outside government offices. [Photo: AFP]

Lebanon's cabinet vowed not to cave in to calls to resign after a massive demonstration led by the pro-Syrian group Hezbollah, as protesters camped outside government offices.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora appealed on Saturday for renewed talks with the opposition over a deadlock which threatens to block the government's legislative programme, including its centrepiece plans for an international tribunal to try the suspects in Hariri's murder.

Only parliament speaker Nabih Berri, whose supporters joined the opposition protest, has the authority to present draft legislation to parliament.

"The sole way of resolving our problems is by sitting down together," Siniora said. "I appeal to Mr Berri to call for a resumption of dialogue."

Friday's peaceful demonstration came after last week's mass funeral for murdered anti-Syrian industry minister Pierre Gemayel brought hundreds of thousands of government supporters on to the streets.

The opposition spearheaded by Hezbollah is demanding a greater say in the government, which it charges has been riding roughshod over the power-sharing arrangements in force since Lebanon's devastating 1975-90 civil war.