Muslim Militias in Lebanon Sign Peace Agreement
After more than three years of fighting, the leaders of Lebanon’s main Shiite Muslim militias signed a treaty Monday allowing the Lebanese army to expand its control over the nation.
Nabih Berri, leader of the Syrian-backed Amal militia, and Sheik Subhi Tufeili, a top official of the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah, signed a peace accord giving the army control of Shiite Muslim areas, including the southern slums of Beirut, where Western hostages have been believed held.
The peace agreement, which becomes effective Saturday, was signed at the end of a meeting with Syrian and Iranian officials.
Amal and Hezbollah (Party of God) have fought intermittently since June, 1987.
They are among the major militias that Lebanese President Elias Hrawi’s government is trying to disarm to end 15 years of civil war.
Present for the signing were Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk Shareh and his Iranian counterpart, Ali Akbar Velayati.
Velayati said the subject of Western hostages, believed to be held by groups loyal to Hezbollah, was not discussed.
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