Lebanon's opposition holds Syria responsible for Beirut explosion
Sunday, March 20, 2005
The Lebanese political opposition group, dubbed the "Cedar Revolution" by the US State Department, claims Syria should be held responsible for a car bomb that rocked the Christian neighborhood of New Jdeideh in the capital city of Beirut, The blast occurred early yesterday morning.
"The security agencies belong to [Syria]. There is no other explanation. When security agencies come under Lebanese control it will be another matter," Reuters quotes opposition leader and Druze chieftain Walid Jumblatt as saying.
After the car bomb explosion, which injured eleven people, a series of fake bombs were discovered throughout the neighborhood. There were also and several sonic grenades thrown at pro-Syrian Lebanese Democratic Party offices.
"We warn Syria not to let these midgets carry out security actions in the country," Reuters quotes Jumblatt as adding.
"This has been the message to the Lebanese people...to sow fear and terror among Lebanese citizens if there is a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon," said Pierre Gemayel, a Christian opposition member who visited the site of the blast.
See also
[edit]- "Explosion injures 11 in Beirut" — WikiNews, March 20, 2005
- "Lebanese President to skip Arab Summit" — WikiNews, March 19, 2005
- "Protestors rally in Beirut" — WikiNews, March 15, 2005
- "Syria affirms withdrawal intentions" — WikiNews, March 13, 2005
Sources
[edit]- "Jumblat intensifies battle against regime amid deepening crisis with Syria" — Lebanon Wire, September 20, 2004
- Adnan El-Ghoul. "Lebanon Opposition Says Syria Responsible for Blast" — The Daily Star, March 21, 2005
- "Lebanon's opposition says Syria behind car bomb" — Reuters, March 20, 2005
- "Two killed in Lebanon petrol station blast" — AFP, March 18, 2005