World News Story

01 December 2008 23:11 BST

Lebanon 'faces civil war'

Lebanon could face another civil war if the current political crisis is not resolved by the end of the year, France's foreign minister has said.

Bernard Kouchner's warning came after a two-day visit to the Middle Eastern country in which he sought to bring together opposing factions divided following the ending of a period of stability last year.

The western-backed government of prime minister Fouad Siniora has faced street protests and unpopularity from the Hizbullah-dominated opposition in the wake of the resignation of six ministers from Mr Siniora's Cabinet last November.

Since then the opposition has insisted upon the re-establishment of a unity government with a veto for Hizbullah supporters, a demand rejected by Mr Siniora.

With the divisive problem of finding a successor to president Emile Lahoud at the end of this year growing steadily bigger, Mr Kouchner has said agreement must be reached if civil strife is to be avoided.

The French foreign minister, whose government has taken a lead in seeking negotiation between the two sides, said there had been some limited progress in his latest efforts.

"That does not mean everything has been settled. Far from it," Mr Kouchner said.

"If the Lebanese do not resume this necessary dialogue, unfortunately there will be more war."

He acknowledged the influence of external players in Lebanon's internal politics, which sees Iran and Syria backing the opposition and others, including the US, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, supporting Mr Siniora.

"We won't find a solution from outside... there are countries that weigh more than others on Lebanese decisions, but the only way to get away from these exterior positions and pressures is to have unity and reconciliation among the Lebanese," he added.

"There are clans, struggles, sorts of poker games over power... but this is a deadly game in Lebanon."