Tensions rise between Lebanese political factions

Pro-government lawmakers and their Hizbullah rivals on Tuesday dampened hopes that recent negotiations between the two camps in Lebanon would lead to an end to the country's four month long political crisis. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has said he would not convene the parliament before opposition demands for a national unity government are met. He has also said that even though the constitution stipulates the parliament convene for the spring session on the first Tuesday after March 15, this was not mandatory.