Lebanon’s Leaders Reach Deal

Posted on May 21, 2008

AP photo / Hasan Jamali

The Emir of Qatar Sheik Hamed Al Thani, mustachioed and smiling, congratulates Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora after a power-sharing agreement was reached in Doha, Qatar.

The Lebanese government and the Hezbollah opposition group came to a power-sharing agreement Wednesday, potentially marking the end to the country’s two-year-old political crisis, which only weeks ago erupted in clashes that left 65 people dead. The move, which some analysts say may benefit Hezbollah more than the Western-backed government, has been hailed by the parties directly involved and others, including the U.S.

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The BBC:

Rival Lebanese leaders have agreed on steps to end the political deadlock that has led to the country’s worst violence since the 1975-90 civil war.

The Western-backed government and the pro-Syrian opposition arrived at the deal after days of talks in Qatar.

Under the deal, the opposition - led by the Hezbollah political and militant group - will have the power of veto in a new cabinet of national unity.

It also paves the way for parliament to elect a new president.

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