The Lebanese government has denounced the seizure of much of western Beirut by Hezbollah fighters as a coup aimed at increasing the influence of Syria and Iran in the country.
A Hezbollah spokesman said the Shi'ite militia's offensive came in reaction to a government crackdown on its activities. At least 11 people have been killed and dozens of others wounded during three days of clashes. Hezbollah fighters have taken control of the offices of pro-government factions. Lebanon's army has stayed out of the fighting. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has spoken via telephone to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Following that conversation, Steinmeier issued a statement calling on all parties in Lebanon to lay down their arms and resolve the crisis through dialogue.
(Deutsche Welle)
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