Arab League announce deal on Lebanon strife

by cynthia yoo | May 15, 2008 at 06:05 pm | 251 views | 1 comment

Living Life to the Full Beirut 28 Apr 08

Talks continue between the Lebanese government and the Hezbollah-led opposition in Qatar. Progress has been made as the Arab League mediators have agreed on a deal to to settle Lebanon's worst internal fighting since the civil war.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al-Thani also summoned Lebanon's government and Hezbollah-led opposition to Qatar for talks to resolve a broader political showdown which has paralyzed the country for 18 months.
"We declare an agreement sponsored by the Arab League to deal with the Lebanese crisis," said Sheikh Hamad, who led the Arab mediators. "The parties pledge to refrain from returning to the use of weapons or violence to realize political gains."

As Sheikh Hamad announced the deal, mechanical diggers on theairport road removed roadblocks erected by Hezbollah supporters lastweek as part of a protest campaign against the government.

"The opposition has decided to end the civil disobedience (campaign)and open all roads and routes to the seaport and airport," oppositionmember of parliament Ali Hassan Khalil told Reuters.