Lebanon slides towards conflict

May 8 - Explosions and gunfire erupt in Beirut shortly after Hezbollah leader Nasrallah accuses government of waging war.

Gunmen loyal to Hezbollah battled pro-government supporters in the Lebanese capital, security sources said. They said fierce clashes were underway in at least two Beirut districts. Violence was also seen in Tripoli and in Jieh near Sidon.

Penny Tweedie reports.

SOUNDBITE: Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah saying (Arabic):
"Whoever declares war on us, even if a father or a brother, let alone a political adversary, we reserve the right to confront and defend our arms and existence. The telecom network is not part of the resistance's arms, it is the most important part of the resistance."