Political quarrel over Syria continued: PM Mikati 28 Jan said his policy is “disassociation” with Syria; March 14 coalition urged support of uprising, endorsed Syrian National Council(SNC) call for “new page” in Lebanon-Syria relations; Defence Minister Ghosn widely criticised for Dec claim al-Qaeda militants infiltrating Lebanon posing as Syrian opposition activists; parliamentary Future bloc and March 14 allies accused Ghosn of serving Syrian regime. Druze leader Jumblatt 17 Jan criticised Assad, expressed concern about possible Syria civil war. Hizbollah rejected UNSG Ban 13 Jan call to disarm.

5 French UN peacekeepers, 1 civilian injured 9 Dec by roadside bomb near southern port city Tyre; Syria and Hizbollah denied French accusations of involvement. Hizbollah 9 Dec publicised names of 10 supposed CIA officers who worked in Lebanon. U.S. prosecutors 15 Dec filed civil suit against Lebanese and U.S. businesses alleged to have laundered money for Hizbollah. 3 people killed 28 Dec by Syrian army near unofficial border crossing at Raydani in north. 1 Lebanese woman wounded 11 Dec by rocket fired at Israel from southern village which fell short of border. 1 killed 18 Dec in clashes between Fatah members and suspected Islamist extremists in Ain el-Hilweh refugee camp in south.

PM Mikati 30 Nov announced payment of Lebanon’s share of funds for UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL); 25 Nov threatened to resign if cabinet refused to pay. Govt voted against Arab League (AL) 12 Nov decision to suspend Syria; “disassociated” itself from 27 Nov AL sanctions. U.S. Treasury official 10 Nov visited Beirut to warn Lebanese banks risk being blacklisted if Syria attempts to use them to avoid sanctions. 2 bombs exploded 17 Nov in Christian community in southern Tyre; no immediate claim of responsibility. Rockets fired 28 Nov from southern Lebanon into Israel; obscure Islamist group Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed responsibility.

Pre-trial judge 17 Oct asked UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) to consider trying 4 Hizbollah suspects in absentia. U.S. Ambassador Connelly 24 Oct warned of possible “serious consequences” if govt fails to meet obligations toward STL. UNSG Ban 19 Oct asked Syria to end military incursions into Lebanon which killed 3 Syrian citizens in month; officials estimate over 5,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon (see Syria). Govt 11 Oct raised minimum wage 40% to avoid 12 Oct general strike.

Patriarch Beshara Rai 10 Sept said Syrian President Assad should be given chance to implement reforms; later claimed statements taken out of context. UNDP 17 Sept said Lebanon hosting nearly 4,000 Syrian refugees following govt crackdown on anti-regime protests. Wikileaks cable released 10 Sept quoted President Mikati describing Hizbollah as “tumour” needing removal. UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) 9 Sept named 3 judges for first trial chamber, effective 20 Sept. FM Mansour 5 Sept warned UN Israel’s proposed sea border threatens peace and security in region. Military court 4 Sept sentenced Brig. Gen. Karam to 2 years hard labour for collaborating with Israel.

UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) 17 Aug published full indictment against 4 Hizbollah members suspected of assassinating former PM Rafiq Hariri. STL 19 Aug said it will widen probe by investigating 3 other attacks on politicians linked to Hariri bombing. Lebanese and Israeli soldiers 1 Aug exchanged fire along Blue Line in Wazzani area; each blamed other for exchange, UNIFIL opened investigation. At least 2 killed, 6 injured 6 Aug in clashes between rival Palestinian factions in southern Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp. 2 killed in bomb explosion 11 Aug in north Beirut suburb; no claim of responsibility. Govt 4 Aug disassociated itself from UNSC statement condemning violence in Syria; FM Mansour 7 Aug met President Assad in Damascus, reiterated govt’s rejection of interference in Syrian affairs.

Hizbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah 2 July vowed 4 members of group indicted in June by UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) would never be arrested; dismissed charges as conspiracy to sow sectarian strife. PM Mikati 19 July said govt would support STL, hand over suspects “if they are in Lebanon”; STL 29 July lifted confidentiality on details of the 4 suspects in bid to speed up arrest. Hizbollah-backed Mikati govt 7 July won parliamentary vote of confidence; former PM Hariri’s March 14 coalition walked out before vote. Israeli Knesset 11 July approved map to be submitted to UN of proposed maritime borders that differ from borders proposed by Beirut; President Suleiman said Lebanon ready to defend borders and resources. 7 Estonians released after 114 days in captivity, kidnapping claimed by Movement for Renewal and Reform. 5 UN peacekeepers injured 26 July by roadside bomb in southern Sidon city; no immediate claim of responsibility.

Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) 30 June deliv- ered indictments, arrest warrants for 4 men, reportedly including members of Hizbollah; former PM Saad Hariri called indictments “historic moment in Lebanese politics, justice and security”. PM Mikati 13 May formed new cabinet, ending 5-month stalemate. Hizbollah and its Christian and Druze allies secured 18 posts in 30-member cabinet, including powerful posts of Defence, Justice, Telecommunications. Former-PM Saad Hariri’s March 14 Movement refused to participate, said new govt represents “coup” against democratic system. Troops dispatched 18 June to sectarian districts in northern Tripoli after residents clashed following rally in support of anti-govt protesters in Syria; at least 4 reported killed, 48 injured.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians 15 May demonstrated in Maroun al-Ras on southern border with Israel to commemorate Nakba; after some demonstrators reportedly moved toward border fence IDF gunfire killed at least 4 protesters, wounded some 100 (See Israel/OPT). Hundreds of Syrians fled into Lebanon after Syrian security forces 15 May raided border town Tall Kalakh; UNHCR 20 May said around 4,000 crossed into Lebanon since Assad regime began crackdown (See Syria). Hizbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah 25 May in first comments on Syrian uprising said overthrowing regime only serves U.S., Israeli interests. 6 UNIFIL peacekeepers injured 27 May by bomb near Sidon; UNSC condemned attack. Special tribunal for Lebanon (STL) prosecutor 6 May filed amended indictment including new evidence.

Security forces 21 Apr killed 2 people in gunfight with local residents over construction of illegal housing in southern port Tyre. 2 inmates killed 5 Apr after security forces stormed country’s largest prison to end riot over living conditions. National Security Council 21 Apr banned rallies for and against Syria’s regime for failing to meet “legal conditions”. Previously unknown group “The Renaissance and Reform Movement” 6 Apr claimed responsibility for 23 March kidnapping of 7 Estonian tourists; police officer and suspected kidnapper killed 11 Apr in shootout. Acting-PM Hariri 7 Apr accused Iran of interfering in Lebanon’s, other Gulf States’ internal affairs, attempting to create “Iranian protectorate”.