Terrorist shellfire disrupted a parade through the Christian enclaves in south Lebanon today. At least six people were killed in Kle village and many were wounded. the parade, a display of military strength by the Christian militia to celebrate the newly declared independence of the Christian-controlled area, came under fire from Palestinians lodged in the ancient Beaufort fortress.
The tanks and artillery that had been rolling through the enclaves to the cheers on local villagers, were immediately put into action and a fierce duel began with the Palestinians that lasted several hours. The convoy began its parade at Mari Ayoun, a Christian stronghold, led by militia commander Mai. Sood Haddad. There were scores of tanks, motorized artillery, armored troop carriers, command cars and jeeps. The long procession was welcomed with flowers and the traditional bread and salt. It came under fire as it emerged from Kle village.
Yesterday, Israeli Defense Minister Ezer Weizman publicly praised Haddad as “a true Lebanon patriot.”He said on a radio interview that Haddad’s force and the Christian militias in northern Lebanon wanted to rid their country of Palestinian terrorists. Weizman called on the Lebanese government in Beirut to “take serious steps” to achieve that end. He observe, however, that the Syrian influence on President Elias Sarkis of Lebanon is probably greater than Israel’s influence with Haddad.
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