Lebanon Vows to Curb Militias, Secure Airport

The Lebanese government announced plans Thursday to clear warring Muslim militias from West Beirut and secure the hijack-plagued airport.

Premier Rashid Karami said the effort will be “advised and assisted” by Syria, which has become the real source of power in Lebanon during its decade of civil strife.

In a statement broadcast on the state radio, Karami said a seven-man coordination committee has been formed to oversee the new security measures in the capital’s Muslim sector and the airport on its seaside fringe.

The committee scheduled its first meeting this morning. It includes representatives of the police, the Lebanese army--which is divided along religious lines and ineffective as an independent force--and of Shia Muslim and Druze militias.

The militias, in effect, exercise military control of West Beirut. They proclaim themselves allies, but often fight each other.

Other joint efforts at security have failed in the past, but Karami, a Sunni Muslim, said this one will be bolstered by Syrian military observers.

Syria maintains at least 25,000 troops in eastern Lebanon and backs most Muslim militias to some degree. Political leaders of all religious groups, including Karami and President Amin Gemayel, recognize Damascus’ role and often turn to the Syrians to resolve their differences.

Earlier this week, Syria convened a conference at which Lebanon’s Sunni, Shia and Druze political and religious leaders worked out a 16-point peace plan for West Beirut and the airport. Implementation of that agreement has already stalled as Beirut militias Wednesday and Thursday exchanged fire across the Green Line dividing the city into Christian and Muslim zones.

The Syrian-brokered plan includes a provision for equal sharing of political power between the traditionally dominant Christians and the Muslims, the latter now about 60% of the population. Poorer as a group than the Christians, Lebanese Muslims--especially Shias--complain of under-representation in the government.

Karami said the main task of the new committee will be to supervise withdrawal of armed militiamen from the streets, closing of their offices and formation of a special army force to help police impose law and order.