Lebanon's army yesterday stepped up patrols as part of a drive to restore order after a week of fighting between Hezbollah fighters and pro-government gunmen.

Hezbollah, the Shi'ite Muslim movement backed by Iran and Syria, and its opposition allies have routed supporters of the Sunni-led government in Beirut and hills to the east in fighting that has pushed Lebanon to the brink of a new civil war.

Wary of fragmenting its own ranks, the army has stayed neutral in the conflict, which has killed 81 people, wounded 250 and raised Arab and international concern over Lebanon's future.

Police said 62 dead had been registered. Overall, Lebanon was experiencing its calmest day since violence broke out on May 7 after Prime Minister Fouad Siniora outlawed Hezbollah's communications network and fired Beirut airport's security chief, who is close to the Shi'ite group.

Hezbollah said this was a declaration of war and swiftly took over much of Beirut, crushing pro-government Sunni Muslim gunmen. It then handed over its gains to the army.

The army command announced on Monday night it would work to get gunmen off the streets in cities and villages and authorized troops to use force if necessary.

The initiative was not seen as a challenge to Hezbollah and may have been coordinated with the group, which perhaps has an interest in showing the army in control before Arab mediators arrive in Beirut today, political analysts said.

Agencies

(China Daily 05/14/2008 page10)