Hezbollah denies any role in the huge explosion on the Beirut seafront which killed Rafik Hariri, who served several terms as prime minister, and 22 others in February 2005.The killing plunged Lebanon into a series of political crises and assassinations, and there were fears that the indictments could revive sectarian tension in a country still scarred by its 1975-90 civil war.While Hezbollah is powerful enough to resist any attempt to act against its members, it is anxious that its domestic reputation as a force prepared to stand up to Israel should not be tarnished by accusations of involvement in internal conflict.Hariri's March 14 alliance accused the government of Hezbollah-backed businessman Najib Mikati, formed in June after five months of political wrangling, of not giving whole-hearted endorsement to the U.N.-backed tribunal. Mikati says his government will respect international resolutions and wants to reveal the truth behind Hariri's killing. Lebanon received the indictments this month.Hariri said he would work with his allies to bring down Mikati's government "We will work on bringing down the government democratically. We can go to the streets for example," Hariri said.
Hariri: Hezbollah arms are root of Lebanon problem
Former Lebanese PM warns against Hezbollah's weapons, asks, "Is Hezbollah going to continue pointing arms at the Lebanese?"
Hezbollah denies any role in the huge explosion on the Beirut seafront which killed Rafik Hariri, who served several terms as prime minister, and 22 others in February 2005.The killing plunged Lebanon into a series of political crises and assassinations, and there were fears that the indictments could revive sectarian tension in a country still scarred by its 1975-90 civil war.While Hezbollah is powerful enough to resist any attempt to act against its members, it is anxious that its domestic reputation as a force prepared to stand up to Israel should not be tarnished by accusations of involvement in internal conflict.Hariri's March 14 alliance accused the government of Hezbollah-backed businessman Najib Mikati, formed in June after five months of political wrangling, of not giving whole-hearted endorsement to the U.N.-backed tribunal. Mikati says his government will respect international resolutions and wants to reveal the truth behind Hariri's killing. Lebanon received the indictments this month.Hariri said he would work with his allies to bring down Mikati's government "We will work on bringing down the government democratically. We can go to the streets for example," Hariri said.