Lebanon

PM calls on army to impose calm, killings continue

Article published on the 2008-05-10 Latest update 2008-05-10 15:48 TU

Hezbollah fighter with a poster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad yeterday
(Photo: Reuters)

In a broadast to the nation today, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora called on the army to clear armed groups from the streets and impose calm. An uneasy calm is reported in Beirut today after three days of fighting which culminated in Shia-Muslim Hezbollah militias taking control of the Sunni-Muslim-majority west of Beirut. But six deaths are reported in the capital and five in the north of the country.

"I call on the army to impose security on everyone in all areas and to clear armed elements from the streets immediately," Siniora said.

Yesterday soldiers oversaw a mass surrender by armed government supporters in the main Sunni-Muslim area of Tarik al-Jadidah. Today hospital sources say gunmen shot dead six people in the area, with 20 injured.

They were attending the funeral of a Sunni civilian killed in the clashes. Five people were killed in clashes in the north.

Siniora also urged the army to remove a Hezbollah-led encampment which has been outside government headquarters since December 2006.

Hezbollah says that it won't dismantle roadblocks across the country until the government accepts its demands - scrapping a decision to dismantle its telecommunications network, reinstating the Beirut airport security chief accused of complicity with the movement and opening dialogue with the opposition.

Meanwhile in Washington, officials claim to have proof of Syrian-linked groups and individuals involved in the fighting.

"The United States is consulting with other governments in the region and with the UN Security Council about measures that must be taken to hold those responsible for the violence in Beirut accountable," said White House spokesperson Gordon Johndroe.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner accused Hezbollah of resorting to force and said that France will work with Spain and Italy on a tripartite peace initiative.