Lebanese majority leader: unity best weapon against Israel

BEIRUT, May 20 -- Lebanese Sunni majority leader Saad Hariri said Wednesday that the unity among the Lebanese is the best weapon against Israel, local Elnashra website reported.

"We will not give up coexistence and civil peace," Hariri said during a popular gathering in Beirut, hinting to the May 7 clashes last year.

On May 7 last year, Lebanese Shiite armed group Hezbollah took control over western Beirut Sunni areas following clashes with supporters of Saad Hariri's Mustaqbal movement.

"The attempts to terrorize Beirut failed because Beirut's inhabitants stood against their (Hezbollah) plans," Hariri said, adding that the understanding among the Lebanese is the most important factor.

Hariri also said that Lebanese history proved that one sect cannot rule the country alone, calling for unity and solidarity to protect Lebanon.

As for Hezbollah's arms, he said "the arms of the state are the only capable for protecting the people and the land."

Hezbollah is the only Lebanese group which kept its arms following the 1975-1990 civil war, under the pretext of protecting Lebanon from Israeli aggression.