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Agreement reached to end Lebanon crisis

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Published: May 21, 2008 at 12:12 AM

DOHA, Qatar, May 21 (UPI) -- The Lebanese government and its political opposition led by Hezbollah agreed early Wednesday to form a national unity government.

The agreement came after five days of talks in Qatar, Ya Libran reported. It is contingent on the election of Gen. Michael Suleiman, the head of the army, as president.

The country has not had a president since Emile Lahoud's term ended Sept. 23, 2007.

Recently, a government attempt to crack down on Hezbollah brought Lebanon to the edge of another civil war.

Qatar brought the stalemate to an end Tuesday when it presented the two sides with two proposals on the major areas of disagreement -- electing a president, how to share power in the new Cabinet and the law governing a parliamentary election next year. Finally, Qatar formed a committee of two representatives from each side to discuss the final sticking point, the electoral law.

"The Lebanese people have the right to be angry at us if we return to Lebanon without agreement and we are doing every thing possible to reach an agreement," said Walid Jumblatt, a member of Parliament and supporter of the government.

Topics: Walid Jumblatt
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