Deal aims to end violence in northern Lebanon
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Rival groups signed an agreement Monday to end sectarian violence that has killed and wounded scores in the past three months in the northern city of Tripoli.
Tripoli, about 50 miles north of Beirut, has been the scene of clashes between Sunnis and Alawites — an offshoot Shiite sect.
"Tripoli should be a city without weapons because weapons in the hands of individuals do not protect anyone," said Prime Minister Fuad Saniora who went to Tripoli to witness the signing ceremony Monday night. "He who will undermine the city's security is an enemy to the city no matter to what group he belongs. No one will protect him."
The reconciliation comes after Arab officials warned that the situation in Lebanon could spin out of control in Lebanon. Last week, Syrian President Bashar Assad said Lebanon is still "fragile" as long as extremists groups remain active in northern Lebanon. He was referring to the conservative Salafi branch of Islam, which has a presence in northern Lebanon.
The leader of the militant group Hezbollah, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, said Sunday he supports the reconciliation in the north. He said the deal should be extended to the capital Beirut, which witnessed sectarian clashes of its own earlier this year that killed 81 people.
Hezbollah emerged from that violence with more power including a veto over government decisions.
The six-point agreement for Tripoli calls for abstaining from force, the deployment of the army to tense areas and a timetable for the return of displaced people.
