We are hostages, say Lebanon's Christians

The Maronite Christian Phalange party in Lebanon resents the presence of 40,000 Syrian troops in the area and the political influence exerted by Syria, but other Lebanese have resigned themselves to it. The party, which boycotted elections in protest, have reversed their decision because not to do so would be to commit political suicide. The Lebanese are poor and bread riots overthrew the government in May 1992. There is now no protest about the economic situation, however.