Lebanese troops backed by tanks tighten security around government buildings in Beirut

January 21, 2011 - 09:29 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Lebanese troops backed by tanks tightened security around government buildings in Beirut, as the political rift between the country's rivaling factions deepened.

Army tanks were seen taking up position around the government palace and the residence of caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri, in downtown Beirut, news24.com reported.

A Lebanese security source told the German Press Agency dpa that the move came after opposition figures close to the Shi'ite movement Hezbollah hinted that their followers were ready to take street actions.

Lebanon is experiencing one of its worst political crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.

The political turmoil started when Lebanon's national unity government collapsed on January 12, after Hezbollah and their allies withdrew from the cabinet to protest against Hariri's reluctance to cut ties with a UN tribunal that is probing the death of his father, former premier Rafik Hariri.

Tension in Lebanon has prompted regional players such Syria, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia to intervene in a bid to mediate in a crisis that many fear could lead to new civil strife in Lebanon.

The foreign minister of Turkey and the prime minister of Qatar arrived in Beirut this week to hold lengthy talks with Lebanese officials. But the two officials left Beirut early on January 20, saying they were suspending their mediation effort until they consult with their leaderships.