Lebanon's Hizbullah-led opposition and its US-backed government have reached a deal to end recent violence after its cabinet reversed measures aimed at reining-in the Iranian-backed militants.
The feuding factions agreed to hold political talks in Qatar today that will lead to the election of Lebanon's army chief, Gen. Michel Suleiman, as a compromise president, said Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, who headed an Arab League team that mediated the agreement.
Immediately after the deal was announced, the opposition cleared a series of roadblocks along Beirut's airport road that had stopped flights for a week. Shortly afterward, two planes from the Lebanese national carrier, Middle East Airlines, landed.
"The parties pledge not to use weapons or violence again with the aim of scoring political gains," Hamad told journalists in a conference hall. "Both parties are willing to open a new chapter."
Hamad made the announcement with representatives of all Lebanese factions present, an indication the deal had the blessing of both sides.
But tensions still simmered after last week's street battles. A government supporter was shot dead and another wounded late last night after an argument with Hezbollah backers in the eastern Bekaa Valley.
Under the deal, unauthorised gunmen must leave Lebanon's streets and the army will impose security across the country, Hamad said. Political leaders also pledged to refrain from language that could stir up political or religious turmoil.
The deal also calls for the opposing camps to discuss the possibility of forming a national unity government, he said.
The breakthrough came after a marathon Cabinet session on Wednesday night during which the Western-backed government rescinded measures against Hizbullah that sparked fierce fighting.
Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah had said the anti-Hezbollah moves amounted to a declaration of war and his armed fighters took to the streets a week ago, demanding the government rescind its orders. They seized control of large parts of Muslim west Beirut.
Clashes then broke out across the country, leaving 65 people dead. Much of the violence took on a sectarian tone, with mostly Shia supporters of Hezbollah battling Sunnis who back the government.