Lebanon's Streets to become Free of Political Banners, Posters

The Lebanese authorities will kick off a campaign to remove all political and party posters, banners and flags that are erected in various areas across Lebanon, local newspapers reported on Wednesday.

The decision comes in light of the fourth dialogue session between al-Mustaqbal Movement and Hizbullah after the two parties agreed to further defuse the sectarian tension in the country and fortify the security situation.

According to An Nahar newspaper, the campaign's zero-hour is waiting for a decision by Prime Minister Tammam Salam, who will give the necessary instructions to the security agencies to kick start removing all posters and party flags across Lebanon.

Speaker Nabih Berri's visitors quoted him as saying in comments published in As Safir newspaper that “only the Lebanese flag will be seen fluttering above Beirut.”

He stressed that talks between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal had a positive impact on the general mood in the country, stressing that it will continue with the same tone.

Al-Joumhouria newspaper said that the campaign will start in Beirut, in particular on the airport road and other areas, and would reach northern and southern Lebanon.

The talks between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal, which kicked off on December 23, aim at maintaining stability in Lebanon.

In their forth session the two parties stressed their “firm support” for the Lebanese army in its fight against terrorist groups, hailing “the dialogue's positive progress and the impact it has left on the public opinion.”

They also agreed to take “some practical steps that can boost the atmosphere of stability.”

Following the third session on January 16, the conferees declared they had made “clear progress” that could lead to results which can help “consolidate national stability.”

H.K.

G.K.