Lebanon: Rubbish removal resumes in Beirut after waste workers suspend strike

Rubbish removal services began to clear the rubbish lining the streets of Beirut, Thursday, after the workers at the Sukleen waste treatment company suspended their strike. The waste workers had been on strike since Tuesday after the government's plans to consider bids from other waste management companies, placing their jobs in danger. The strike coincided with the ongoing 'You Stink' protests that have gripped Beirut over the last week. The 'You Stink' campaign was launched after the Environment Ministry closed the Naameh landfill site on July 17 without providing an alternative for Beirut and its suburbs. The worsening rubbish crisis also sparked heavy criticism of the Lebanese government at its core, resulting in fierce clashes between demonstrators and security forces over the last weekend. Demonstrations have seen one protester killed and multiple other protesters and security forces injured so far.