Leaders put off polls decision

First Edition

Beirut (AP) - President Elias Hrawi's Syrian-backed government yesterday put off a decision on proceeding with elections in which Muslim fundamentalists and other opponents apparently have made a strong showing.

There were warnings that any attempt to deprive the fundamentalists of electoral gains could create a situation similar to that in Algeria, where violence persists eight months after the army negated Muslim militants' victories at the polls.

Police said one person was killed overnight in fighting between followers of two rival candidates in the northern town of Tannourine.