Leader warns Lebanon may turn into Gaza

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BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The leader of the Christian Lebanese Forces in Lebanon warned if Hezbollah dominates the next government the country will "turn into Gaza."

Samir Geagea made the statements during a news conference Saturday, the news Web site Ya Libnan reported Sunday.

Geagea was referring to the bloody Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip in 2007, the Web site noted.

He warned if Hezbollah establishes the next government it will spell disaster for Lebanon.

"I ask those who rejoice in a government without Hariri, what of our financial situation? Who will invest a single lira in us? Does anyone think there will be investors in our economy?" the Web site quoted him saying.

Geagea's statements came a day after Druse leader Walid Jumblatt announced his support for Hezbollah, a move that will boost the terrorist organization's standing in any future government.

Lebanon's political turmoil was sparked by the resignations of 11 parliamentarians amid a U.N. investigation into the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut. Sealed indictments submitted by the tribunal are expected to be made public in the coming weeks and reportedly name Hezbollah as the key perpetrators of Hariri's death.