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Hezbollah weapons right endorsed Hezbollah weapons right endorsed
(about 9 hours later)
Lebanon's cabinet has endorsed Shia group Hezbollah's right to keep its arsenal of weapons.Lebanon's cabinet has endorsed Shia group Hezbollah's right to keep its arsenal of weapons.
The statement by the unity government said it respected the right of Lebanon's army and "its resistance" to "liberate Lebanese territory".The statement by the unity government said it respected the right of Lebanon's army and "its resistance" to "liberate Lebanese territory".
The issue of group's militia was at the heart of political deadlock before the new government was formed in November.The issue of group's militia was at the heart of political deadlock before the new government was formed in November.
Hezbollah, which holds two seats in the government, argues it needs weapons to defend against itself against Israel. Hezbollah, which holds two seats in the government, argues it needs weapons to defend itself against Israel.
Five ministers from the Christian Phalange Party and Lebanese Forces "expressed reservations" about the clause in the policy statement.Five ministers from the Christian Phalange Party and Lebanese Forces "expressed reservations" about the clause in the policy statement.
Armed confrontationArmed confrontation
In May 2008 Hezbollah deployed forces in parts of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, when political negotiations failed.In May 2008 Hezbollah deployed forces in parts of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, when political negotiations failed.
The new 30-member government led by Sunni, Saad Hariri, was formed in November, with Hezbollah its allies holding 10 seats.The new 30-member government led by Sunni, Saad Hariri, was formed in November, with Hezbollah its allies holding 10 seats.
Hezbollah's militia is believed to have thousands of missiles and rockets.Hezbollah's militia is believed to have thousands of missiles and rockets.
On Monday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah outlined the group's new manifesto which focused on Lebanese sectarian and political unity, and armed confrontation with Israel.On Monday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah outlined the group's new manifesto which focused on Lebanese sectarian and political unity, and armed confrontation with Israel.
Hezbollah fought a war with Israel in 2006 during which more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, were killed. Some 160 Israelis, most of whom were soldiers, also died.Hezbollah fought a war with Israel in 2006 during which more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, were killed. Some 160 Israelis, most of whom were soldiers, also died.