Authorities Begin Removing Political Posters, Slogans

A campaign to remove party banners and photos from Beirut and several cities was launched on Thursday, the result of talks between Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal Movement.

The governor of Beirut, Ziad Shebib, told reporters that 90 percent of political slogans and posters have already been removed.

“We will work from now on to make Beirut appear civilized,” he said about the campaign which is carried out in cooperation with Beirut police and the capital's firefighting department.

“The operation is ongoing in all regions without exception,” he added.

Governor of the North Elie Nohra also oversaw the implementation of the campaign in the northern city of Tripoli.

Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq met with the governors on Monday to discuss the issue. They agreed to remove Hizbullah, al-Mustaqbal and Amal Movement banners and flags from the streets of Beirut and along the coastal highway from Tripoli to the southern city of Sidon.

Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal officials, who have been holding talks in Ain el-Tineh under Speaker Nabih Berri's sponsorship since December, welcomed on Tuesday the steps to eliminate the posters and portraits.

The dialogue between the rival parties' representatives is aimed at defusing tension.

G.K.

H.K.