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Lebanese shout slogans as they march during a protest against Lebanon's government, which they say is hobbled by sectarian tensions in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. (AP Photo / Bilal Hussein)

Beirut - About 500 people waving flags and chanting for national unity have gathered in Beirut in a protest inspired by the wave of demonstrations across the Middle East.

The crowd held signs Sunday criticizing the sectarian makeup of Lebanon’s government. According to Lebanon’s power-sharing system, the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the parliament speaker a Shiite Muslim.

Each faith makes up about a third of Lebanon’s population of 4 million.

Organizers used Facebook to publicize the demonstration, which was peaceful and dispersed by midday. Protesters called for a secular government.

Sectarian tensions are dangerous in Lebanon. In 2008, sectarian clashes killed 81 people and nearly plunged Lebanon into another civil war.

Lebanese people shout slogans as they march during a protest against Lebanon's government, which they say is hobbled by sectarian tensions in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

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