Lebanon

Protest camp dismantled after deal signed

Article published on the 2008-05-21 Latest update 2008-05-21 14:50 TU

Qatari and Lebanese leaders as the meeting ends
(Photo: Reuters)

Opposition supporters are dismantling a protest tent city in the heart of Beirut, after Lebanon's political factions signed a deal to end a conflict which exploded in sectarian fighting this month. Regional players Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iran welcomed the Arab-brokered agreement, as did French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

Lebanon's parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, an opposition supporter, announced that the 18-month-old anti-government sit-in would end immediately after the deal was announced.

At the talks in Doha, US-backed Prime Minister Fuad Siniora described the agreement as a "great achievement in the history of the Arab nation and the history of Lebanon", as Qatari and Arab League leaders applauded.

Army chief Michel Sleiman is now set to become president. Under the accord, Berri was to convene MPs within 24 hours for the vote but a senior aide to Siniora said lawmakers would now meet on Sunday

A national unity government will be formed and the use of weapons in internal conflict will be banned.

The ruling majority will have 16 cabinet seats and be able to choose the prime minister. The new government minority will have eleven ministers, while another three will be nominated by the president.

It also refused to entertain proposals that it disarm, pointing out that it fought off the 2006 Israeli invasion, but accepted a Qatari proposal that both sides promise never to use weapons against each other.  

A committee made up of both sides and chosen by Qatar's Prime Minister will discuss redrawing parliamentary constituencies ahead of elections due next year.

"People are relieved and relaxed," reports Sami Ofeish at Lebanon's Balamand University.