Lebanon's former prime minister Omar Karami has strongly supported the Islamic resistance movement Hezbollah, emphasizing that he would back the resistance as long as it fights against the Israeli occupying regime.

The distinguished Sunni political figure, who is allied with the resistance in Lebanon, condemned the government's recent actions against the opposition, and held Prime Minister Fouad Siniora responsible for the clashes.

Karami said "Siniora accuses the army and at the same time tries to entice an armed conflict against the resistance by the army".

He further blasted attempts by some media for stirring up tribal discord among Lebanese nation, saying, "what has recently happened in Lebanon has nothing to do with religious issues in the country".

"Lebanon's Sunnis support the country's national stances inspired by Jamal Abdol Naser," the former prime minister said.

Karami also condemned the armed conflicts in Tripoli calling on all political sides to quit fighting.

Omar Karami's re-emergence at Lebanon's political arena and his strong support for the resistance movement are indicative of the opposition group's power in the country.

Recent fighting in Lebanon was sparked by the government's decision to probe a communication network set up by Hezbollah and to sack Beirut's airport security chief over his alleged links with the resistance.

The clashes that ensued marked a turning point in the 18-month political crisis that has virtually paralyzed the western-backed government of Siniora and left the country with no president.

The takeover of west Beirut by Hezbollah was also a dramatic display of the people's might and marked a turning point in the opposition group's long-running power struggle with the government.