Lebanon: Army deployed after tension in Raas al-Matan
Lebanon, Politics, 8/16/1999

Tensions in Rass al-Matan town have led to the Lebanese army's deployment for the first time in this area in order to contain any dispute that might develop into a security problem.

The tension started with a limited disagreement on organizing an artisan exhibition, but it immediately developed to take on political dimensions.

This event has reflected the disputes between the Lebanese government and the Progressive Socialist Party, led by Walid Jumblatt.

Sources from the Progressive Socialist Party said a speech delivered by Lebanese Information Minister Anwar al-Khalil on Saturday night in which he "indirectly" criticized Jumblatt and former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was the reason for a reaction that accompanied the organization of an artisans exhibition scheduled to be opened under the patronage of the wife of Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, who assigned the minister of education to attend on her behalf.

The minister was warned not to go because of the rising tensions. The exhibition was opened without the presence of the wife of the education minister as, "Mrs. Lahoud had taken a decision to attend only charity celebrations in order not to politically exploit these occasions."

Another version of this story, according to sources of the Progressive Socialist Party, is that, "There was a side which claimed it represented the society of Raas al-Matn women that had invited without the knowledge of most women who are members in this society to organize an exhibition" al-Makaram alliance society which belongs to al-Makarm in Lebanon.

It added that several women in the society opposed this behavior and observed a sit-in inside the exhibition hall.

The sources indicated that there "is no opposition to the attendance of Mrs. Lahoud, rather the matter pertains to hosting the Information Minister Anwar al-Khalil for investing the occasion for political purposes."

Previous Stories:
  Jumblatt holds visits to Lebanese national forces   (8/11/1999)
  Ruler of Qatar meets with Jumblatt   (8/11/1999)
  Jumblatt: Concentrating authority in Lahoud's hand leads to war   (8/10/1999)

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