Clashes in Beirut for the Second Day Between Supporters of the Government and Supporters of the Opposition

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Clashes in Beirut for the Second Day Between Supporters of the Government and Supporters of the Opposition

ccun.org, May 8, 2008

Clashes broke out between supporters of the Lebanese government and supporters of the opposition, in several areas of the capital, Beirut, particularly in Ras Al-Nabi'a and Corniche Al-Mazra'a, Ain Al-Tinah, Aisha Bakkar, Saqiat Al-Jizah, and Tala'at Shehadah. This indicates a spread of the war to other Beirut areas.

The Lebanese Army withdrew its armored vehicles from the areas of clashes in order to stay neutral in the conflict. However, it returned as the clashes dwindled.

Tensions intensified when the Lebanese government decided to remove pro-Hizbullah security officers from the airport. Hizbullah replied that this represents an attack on the resistance organization, in an area of great importance, communication.

Yesterday, clashes broke out between Hizbullah supporters (opposition) and supporters of the government while participating in a May workers' rally,

Leader of Hizbullah, Shaikh Hassan Nassrullah, addressed the nation today, and held a press conference afterwards.

Nassrullah said that the government's decision is a declaration of war on Hizbullah but the resistance organization is not eager to be involved in this new (civil) war. However, it will defend itself.

Nassrullah attributed these development to the 60-years-anniversary Israeli celebrations. He explained that after the Israeli defeat in the July 2006 war with Hizbullah, the Israelis have been trying to weaken Hizbullah inside Lebanon.

Nassrullah also mentioned that Saudi Arabian and Iranian ambassadors in Beirut tried to end the clashes. He said the solution is canceling the government decision concerning pro-Hizbullah security personnel.

Aljazeera tv broadcast live scenes of the fighting in Beirut and reported that the Lebanese government is holding a meeting to discuss the clashes. It further reported that the leader of the pro-government supporters, Sa'ad Al-Hariri, will address the nation at 8:00 pm local time, in reply to the Nassrullah address.

The pro-government supporters include Al-Mustaqbal (Sunni Muslims), the Phalangists (Maronite Christians), Jumblat Druze. These are supported by the US, France, and Saudi Arabia.

The opposition supporters include Hizbullah (Shi'i Muslims), Amal (Shi'i Muslims), Michel Awn (Maronite Christians), Mir Talal Druz. These are supported by Iran and Syria.

Sa'ad Al-Hariri Replies to Hassan Nassrullah

The leader of supporters of the government, Sa'ad Al-Hariri, addressed the nation, replying to the leader of the opposition, Hassan Nassrullah.

Al-Hariri's address was conciliatory and called Nassrullah with his first name, Seyed Hassan, several times, asking him to end the fitna (the crisis leading to war) right away.

He described Hizbullah with good words, saying that its fighters should not be fighting in their capital, Beirut.

Al-Hariri offered instant end of fighting and a treatment of the issues which led to the fighting. In particular, Sa'ad Al-Hariri suggested the following steps:

First, giving the Lebanese Army the responsibility of security in the Beirut Airport.

Second, electing General Mishal Sulaiman, the Army Commander, as the new president.

Third, starting national dialog presided by Mishal Awn.

Finally, withdrawing fighters of both sides from the streets and the airport.

Al-Hariri emphasized that he doesn't want a civil war and that he would avert a Sunni-Shi'i civil war by any means, just like Nassrullah expressed in his speech.

He also emphasized that he and supporters of the government should not be classified as pro-Israel, as they have always announced that Israel is their only enemy.

It seems that the crisis can be ended by direct contacts and agreement between the two leaders. Otherwise, as observers of the Lebanese crisis have argued all along that Lebanon is becoming the second battlefield (after Iraq) fought by Lebanese on behalf of Israel-US-France on one side and Syria and Iran on the other.

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