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Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
Lebanon's opposition says Syria behind car bomb |
2005-03-22 |
Lebanon's political opposition accused Syria of the car bomb blast which rocked the eastern suburbs of Beirut in the early hours of Saturday morning. The explosion, which wounded 11 people and took place in the Christian area of New Jdeide, has been followed by the discovery of a series of fake bombs and has revived fears of widespread sectarian violence re-emerging in Lebanon. Commenting on the blast, opposition leader Walid Jumblatt warned that there would be more attacks and political assassinations if the heads of the intelligence services and President Emile Lahoud, are not sacked. He added: "We warn Syria not to let these midgets carry out security actions in the country." Opposition Christian MP Ayman Choucair added: "There is only one party responsible, the intelligence services." Following the explosion, Lahoud's office announced he would not attend the two-day Arab summit starting Tuesday in Algiers because of what it called "the exceptional circumstances in the country." The blast has led to concerns among many Lebanese that pro-Syrian elements are resorting to violence in order to provide a need for a continued presence by Syrian forces. Christian opposition member Pierre Gemayel, who visited the blast site, said: "This has been the message to the Lebanese people for a while to sow fear and terror among Lebanese citizens if there is a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, look what Lebanon will face." |
Posted by:Fred |