Protesters Mob Australian PM

A mob of about 200 people waving Lebanese and Palestinian flags mobbed Australian Prime Minister John Howard's car in the Western Australian city of Perth. One of the screaming horde that surrounded and jumped on Howard's car was heard to say, "We want Peace".

Violent scuffles broke out on Saturday in Perth, Australia, between Australia's police and pro-Lebanon protesters who mobbed the Australian prime minister demanding more government action to bring peace in the Middle East.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard was leaving a state conference of his Liberal Party in the west coast city of Perth when about 200 protesters waving Lebanese and Palestinian flags and some carrying banners which read "Bush's War of Terror", rallied outside the hotel and mobbed his car. One Muslim woman shouted "we want peace."

Inside the hotel, Howard gave a speech in which he attacked Hezbollah, reported local media.

"It's not some kind of inspirational liberation organization, it's a terrorist organization," said Howard, a strong U.S. ally.

When Howard tried to drive away from the hotel, some of the protesters attempted to stop his car from moving and fought with police, showed television footage. One protester carrying an Australian flag threw himself on the bonnet of Howard's car.

Howard's entourage sped from the scene as police wrestled protesters to the ground, it said. The police said two protesters were arrested.

People in cars with Lebanese and Palestinian flags attached circled the protesters and police, sounding their horns.

How very peaceful. Coverage from the Australian says it was even more violent than Ha'aretz reported. Objects were thrown as well as fighting and scuffling with security personnel.

VIOLENT scuffles have broken out between police and Lebanese protesters who mobbed Prime Minister John Howard's car as he left the WA Liberal Party conference in Perth.

Mr Howard was leaving the WA Liberal Party state conference when about 200 protesters, many of whom were waving Lebanese flags and shouting "we want peace", mobbed his vehicle.

Protesters punched, kicked and threw projectiles at Mr Howard's car as police struggled to keep them at bay.

Mr Howard's entourage sped from the scene as police wrestled protesters to the ground.

The Prime Minister said this week he understood Israel's decision to carry out its devastating military offensive against Lebanon to put an end to attacks by Hizbollah guerrillas who have fired rockets deep into Israeli territory.

At least one protester was arrested and taken away by police.

Protesters later continued their rally along one of Perth's main streets calling for peace in the middle east.

Protest leader Muhammad El Khatib said he has family in Lebanon and the Australian government is not doing enough to broker peace in the region.

"There are mothers watching their children die," Mr El Khatib said.

"There should be aid, they say there is aid getting through to Lebanon, there isn't," he said.

"There are people hiding from bombs, we just want peace."

"Hizbollah is protecting Lebanon, they are freedom fighters, not terrorists," he said.

People in cars with Lebanese and Palestinian flags attached circled the protesters and police, honking their horns in support.

This is certainly not a good development. The blatant spreading of pro-Hezbollah propaganda by some of these protest leaders smacks of coordination and preplanning.

This is certainly not a good development. The blatant spreading of pro-Hezbollah propaganda by some of these protest leaders smacks of coordination and preplanning.