Deal to end Lebanon violence

Arab League mediators announced a deal yesterday to end Lebanon's worst internal fighting since the civil war after the US-supported government backed down in its conflict with Hezbollah.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al-Thani also summoned Lebanon's government and Hizbollah-led opposition to Qatar for talks to resolve a broader political showdown which has paralysed the country for 18 months.

"We declare an agreement sponsored by the Arab League to deal with the Lebanese crisis," Sheikh Hamad said. "The parties pledge to refrain from returning to the use of weapons or violence to realise political gains."

The political talks in Qatar, which start today, would continue "until agreement is reached", he said. As Sheikh Hamad announced the deal, live television pictures showed mechanical diggers on the airport road removing roadblocks erected by Hizbollah supporters last week 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," opposition member of Parliament Ali Hassan Khalil told Reuters.

Syria dominated Lebanon until 2005, when the assassination of statesman Rafik al-Hariri triggered international pressure that forced it to end its military presence after nearly three decades and plunged Lebanon into crisis.