Hezbollah to withdraw Beirut gunmen

BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 10 (UPI) -- Hezbollah gunmen holding portions of western Beirut will all be withdrawn from the Lebanese capital, the militant group said Saturday.

The announcement followed a statement by the Lebanese Army, which said it would work to resolve the dispute that brought violence to Beirut during the past four days, The New York Times reported.

Army officials had proposed that an investigation into the private telephone network used by Hezbollah could resolve the issue. The network was initially challenged by government officials, but military officials said they could adequately review it without affecting the militant group's security.

In addition, army officials proposed that the current chief of airport security in Beirut, Gen. Wafiq Choucair, should be retained in his post. Choucair is known for his ties with the militant group, the Times said.

Choucair's position had been threatened by government officials, who alleged a spy camera was found on an airport road.

The Times said this week's street battle in Lebanon have left at least 29 people dead.