[AFP/Jordan Times] Southern Lebanon "must become a region entirely controlled by the Lebanese army and by the reinforced UNIFIL," French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said in an interview with the Lebanese daily L'Orient Le Jour. The French general leading the troops hinted they would disarm Hizballah if the Lebanese army does not. "If the (Lebanese army) fails to act, we must assume our responsibilities as a UN force," Gen. Alain Pellegrini said. "Someone will have to intervene, with all the consequences that this might have for the Lebanese authorities." In the Hizballah stronghold of Baraasheet, the mayor issued a blunt warning to the French not to attempt to disarm the group.
2006-09-18 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive