News In Brief

Lebanese and Syrian leaders to discuss firming peace plan

Lebanese Prime Minister Rashid Karami arranged for talks with Syrian President Hafez Assad Thursday on strengthening Beirut's new peace plan and calming violent battles in the northern port of Tripoli.

Hours after Israel closed its liaison office here Wednesday, fierce battles between two rival Muslim militias in Tripoli broke out. The outburst was to pressure Mr. Karami to form a security plan for Tripoli, political sources said.

Syria has been the guiding force in Lebanon since the United States withdrew its support in February.