General Strike in Lebanon-Nasrallah claims the government wants war

Lebanon's Hezbollah-led opposition supporters have clashed with those backing the government for a second day in Beirut as the confrontation spilled over to other parts of the country.

Army and riot police manned checkpoints and blocked several roads while many schools and businesses in the capital remained shut on Thursday.

Tensions have been rising since Wednesday after a strike called by the main labour union to press the government for a salary increase got under way.

The demonstration quickly degenerated into violence, with rival supporters exchanging gunfire.

Hezbollah's leader has warned any crackdown by the government on the Shia organistaion would be tantamount to a "declaration of war".

Hassan Nasrallah's comments were broadcast on television on Thursday, as street clashes in Lebanon between government loyalists and opposition supporters entered a second day.

The civil unrest began on Wednesday during a general strike, called by the main labour union over price increases and wage demands, which quickly developed into a confrontation between supporters of the government and the opposition.