Lebanon slips deeper into turmoil

On the streets of Lebanon, the anger has dialed up, with protesters barricading main roads across the country Wednesday (November 13).

The president's latest remarks enraging demonstrators further after he told them to go home, warning of a catastrophe if they didn't.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) LEBANESE PROTESTER, ATEF, SAYING:

"We are continuing and we won't back down at all, especially with facing authorities that don't see, don't hear, but would rather talk in its own language, it's language that is ignoring the movement, like the president's speech proved yesterday."

Michel Aoun's remarks in a television interview late on Tuesday (November 12) ignited demonstrations overnight - a protester was shot and killed.

The death came after clashes with Lebanese soldiers at a roadblock south of Beirut.

The killing marks a bloody twist to the crisis that has gripped Lebanon for nearly a month, heightening tensions in a country trapped in a deep political and economic crisis.

Schools and banks were closed for a second straight day.

Aoun called on Lebanese not panic about their money.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) LEBANESE PRESIDENT, MICHEL AOUN, SAYING: (SOUNDBITE INTERCUTS ON INTERVIEW ON-GOING)

"I assure them (the Lebanese) not to rush to the banks and make the problem bigger. Their money is safe, and they will have it all and we will be able to deal with this crisis."

He also indicated there was no breakthrough in talks over forming a new government to replace Saad al-Hariri's coalition cabinet, dismissing one of the demands by protesters that a purely technocratic government wouldn't be able to govern Lebanon.

On the streets, protesters say Aoun's remarks have made people feel they have to ramp up the pressure.