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Syrian Track Observed in Confrontations in Lebanon: Local Experts

Politics Materials 23 June 2008 20:43 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, 23 June /корр. Trend U.Sadikhova, R.Hafizoglu / Despite that the current confrontation between Sunnite and Shiite sects of Alawis results from weakness of the Lebanese Government, Damascus's interference is not excluded. 

"The Syrian army, who has influence on Alawis supporting Syria's suggestion to unite on a single front, is guilty of these confrontations," Lebanese politician Karim Kerem told Trend .   

Four people were reported to die and tens of people to be wounded as a result of armed confrontation between Sunnite and Shiite sects of Alawis in Lebanon's city of Tripoli, Aljazeera TV reported on 23 June, not indicating reasons of confrontation.    

"Tripoli has been under influence of Damascus since 80s of the last century," Kerem said via telephone from Beirut on 23 June.

However, Syrian politician Husni Mahali considers that the accusations of the Lebanese side to Syria are groundless.  

"Over last years, Damascus has been accused of all problems of Lebanon although Syrian army has left Lebanon for long and no Syrian soldier has left there," Mahali reported to Trend via telephone from Istanbul on 23 June.   

According to the political expert, Lebanese Government accused Syria of assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, which has not been proved anyway.

According to Mahali, the Lebanese Government headed by Prime Minister Fouad Siniora is unformed and that is the cause for recent clashes.

Another Lebanese political scientist Wail Yamin also stated Syria is involved in current ongoing political crisis.

"Syria does not openly interfere with Lebanon's policy. Making use of a Shiite Hezbollah group for its interests is the most profitable way for the country," Yamin said to Trend in a telephone conversation from Beirut.

Official Beirut did not comment on the issue. The relations between Syria and Lebanon after murder of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri cannot get normal anyway, as Damascus is accused of implication in the murder.

Lebanon-based Hezbollah was established in 1982 as a branch of Iranian organization having the same name. Hezbollah has been announced a terrorist organization in 6 countries - Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Israel and United Stated.

"Current power in Lebanon is in the hands of Sunnite elite, to which Syria and Hezbollah's Alawite government resists," Yamuin said.

The correspondent can be contacted at [email protected]

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