BEIRUT: Syrians in Lebanon rallied Sunday to voice opposition to the Arab League's recent decision to suspend their country’s membership at the organization, the National News Agency reported.

The agency said the demonstration was also in support of unity and stability in the country as well as the reforms proposed by Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The Arab League announced Saturday it would suspend Syria’s membership on Nov. 16 and impose economic sanctions in light of the failure of Damascus to meet the demands of the Arab initiative aimed at ending the crisis in the country.

The plan, which was endorsed by Syria on Nov. 2, called on Syrian authorities to withdraw their military from the streets, free all political prisoners, allow reporters access to the country and launch dialogue with opposition members.

Lebanon was one of three countries to oppose the decision to suspend Syria’s membership but the proposal passed with 18 member states voting in favor. Iraq was the sole country to abstain.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati had stressed the need for Lebanon to remain neutral on the crisis in its neighbor.

However, opposition lawmakers in the March 14 coalition have been critical of Assad's crackdown on protesters, which the U.N. says has led to the death of some 3,500 people, mostly civilians. Damascus denies targeting civilians, blaming the deaths on “armed gangs.”