Region | Lebanon
Rivals agree on Lebanon settlement
Lebanon's deadly crisis headed for a resolution last night as the Cabinet was set to retract two measures it took against Hezbollah which triggered fierce clashes in Beirut and elsewhere in the country as the Shiite group occupied parts of the capital.
- Gulf News Report
- Published: 00:34 May 15, 2008
- The measures taken against Hezbollah triggered fierce clashes across the country
- Image Credit: AP
Dubai: Lebanon's deadly crisis headed for a resolution last night as the Cabinet retracted two measures it took against Hezbollah which triggered fierce clashes in Beirut and elsewhere in the country as the Shiite group occupied parts of the capital.
The expected settlement was partly the result of an Arab League mediation aimed at breaking the 18-month deadlock. The team, headed by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Hamad Bin Jassem Al Thani, held talks with members of the ruling majority and the Hezbollah-led opposition, including Speaker Nabih Berri, from the opposition, and Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
Lebanon's information minister Ghazi Aridi described the move as being "in view of the higher national interest".
According to Lebanese TV reports, Berri told the delegation the opposition "will end its civil disobedience if the government revokes its two decisions," which were aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's communication network and removing the head of the airport security, believed to be close to the opposition.
"You can say it's a done deal, but we're waiting for the Cabinet meeting," one political source told Reuters. The Arab team was also expected to meet Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Meanwhile, US President George W. Bush, visiting Israel yesterday, accused Iran of trying to destabilise Lebanon through its support for Hezbollah as he reaffirmed support for Prime Minister Siniora.
Do you think the spread of violence across Lebanon is hinting toward another civil war? How can the Arab League broker a peace deal in Lebanon? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
It seems that Israel is running a proxy war in Lebanon. Both Hizbullah and other parties who are involved in the clash are moppets of some external forces. When those external forces including Israel are neutralized then there will be peace.
Siddiqur
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 15, 2008, 10:26
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