Hezbollah keeps its weapons

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Lebanese Parliament awarded the government of Saad Hariri with a vote of confidence in a national policy that lets Hezbollah maintain an armed resistance.

Prime Minister Hariri led his March 14 alliance to victory in June elections, beating out Hezbollah and its March 8 allies in a tight race.

Lawmakers approved a unity government platform by a 121-to-1 vote in legislation that lets Hezbollah maintain an armed resistance in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

A 2006 U.N.-brokered cease-fire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel obligates the Shiite resistance to lay down its weapons in favor of political rehabilitation.

Lawmakers had debated over the right to an armed resistance. Pro-Hezbollah groups said it was necessary to maintain the resistance, while March 14 groups said security should be in state hands.

Assem Qonso, the pro-Syrian leader of the Lebanese Baath Party, said armed resistance is the only way for Lebanon to secure its territory, Hezbollah's al-Manar news station reports.

"International resolutions did not give any result and the resistance is what liberated Lebanon," he said.

Nayla Tueni, a Greek Orthodox lawmaker loyal to March 14, said the stance on resistance would encourage other groups to take up arms, however.

The debate comes as Lebanese President Michel Suleiman prepares for a trip to Washington next week for talks that are expected to include U.S. military assistance.