Lebanese editorials on Saturday rued parliament's decision to amend the constitution to extend Syrian-backed President Emile Lahoud's term despite strong objections from Washington and the United Nations.
Parliament voted on Friday to keep Lahoud in office for another three years, a decision widely seen as imposed by Syria, the main power broker in Lebanon.
"Even the weather was black, like the depressed faces of the people," said a front page editorial by Jibran Tweini in the influential Beirut daily An-Nahar, which carried an "honour roll" of the 29 deputies who voted against the extension.
"It was another Good Friday, just as Christ was crucified on Good Friday, yesterday was a Good Friday on which democracy and the honour of the people were crucified."
Ninety-six deputies voted in favour of the constitutional amendment, with three absent.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said in a statement Damascus had pressured, threatened and intimidated officials.
"The vote does not reflect the will of the Lebanese people. It was forced upon them by an occupying force," he said.
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