Lebanese army begins drive to restore order

By Alistair Lyon, Special Correspondent

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's army stepped up patrols on Tuesday as part of a drive to restore order after a week of fighting between Hezbollah fighters and pro-government gunmen.

Hezbollah, the Shi'ite Muslim movement backed by Iran and Syria, and its opposition allies have routed supporters of the Sunni-led government in Beirut and hills to the east in fighting that has pushed Lebanon to the brink of a new civil war.

Wary of fragmenting its own ranks, the army has stayed neutral in the conflict, which has killed 81 people, wounded 250 and raised Arab and international concern over Lebanon's future.

Police said 62 dead had been registered, but police sources said they believed the actual toll was higher.

Overall, Lebanon experienced its calmest day since violence broke out on May 7 after Prime Minister Fouad Siniora outlawed Hezbollah's communications network and fired Beirut airport's security chief, who is close to the Shi'ite group.

Hezbollah said this was a declaration of war and swiftly took over much of Beirut, crushing pro-government Sunni Muslim gunmen. It then handed over its gains to the army.

The army launched its plan to get gunmen off the streets at 6 a.m. (0300 GMT). The initiative was not seen as a challenge to Hezbollah, which has avoided any friction with the army.

Future Television, forced off the air by the Hezbollah offensive on Friday, resumed broadcasting ahead of a news conference by its owner, Sunni leader Saad al-Hariri, who heads the majority coalition.