Lebanon

Fragile peace emerges in Lebanon

Article published on the 2008-05-27 Latest update 2008-05-27 13:23 TU

Newly elected President Michel Sleiman
(Photo: Reuters)

A fragile peace seems to be emerging as Lebanon settles into a new power-sharing agreement between the western-backed government and the Islamic militant organization Hezbollah brokered by Qatar last week.

Though shots were fired in Beirut on Monday evening – reportedly wounding 16 according to Lebanese television reports – peace was quickly restored at the end of new President Michel Sleiman’s first day in office.

Sleiman, the compromise candidate agreed upon during negotiations in Doha, was sworn in on Sunday night, and announced that he would seek to form a government of national reconciliation.

Tens of thousands gathered in a stadium Monday to hear a speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in the Shiite group’s stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Speaking via a video link, Nasrallah said that the group would not use weapons to pursue political ends and would work with other political and religious groups for the stability of the country.

"Hezbollah does not want power over Lebanon, nor does it want to control Lebanon or govern the country," Nasrallah told the flag-waving supporters. "For we believe that Lebanon is a special, pluralistic country. The existence of this country only comes about through coexistence, and this is what we are demanding,"

Lebanon has been in political crisis since six pro-Syrian ministers quit former Prime Minister Fuad Siniora’s government in November 2006. Siniora disbanded his caretaker government and resigned on Sunday upon the appointment of the new president.