LEBANON: JEZZINE: CURRENT SITUATION

(24 Jun 1999) Arabic/Nat Several weeks ago, the South Lebanon Army abandoned Jezzine and 36 surrounding villages after 14 years of rule. APTN visited the zone recently to examine the current situation, and to discover the concerns of local villagers. Only 200 militiamen now remain in the occupied zone. The rest have retreated south to the Israeli-occupied border zone. In early June, the South Lebanon Army (S-L-A) abandoned Jezzine and 36 surrounding villages, after 14 years of rule. The S-L-A were set up, trained and financed by Israel to help protect its northern border. It's 2,500 members helped 1,500 Israeli soldiers patrol the occupied border zone. But since their departure, Jezzine's locals have begun suffering financially. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) "The economic situation here has been degrading since the South Lebanon Army pulled out, because militiamen who were forced to stay in this area used to spend in Jezzine around US 250,000 dollars a month." SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop, grocery store owner In addition to the financial worries, relatives fear for the safety of former S-L-A members. In June, some 60 to 100 ex-fighters for the S-L-A surrendered to Lebanese authorities, pleading for a lenient and fair trial. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) "If we were traitors we would have stayed in the South Lebanon Army. We hope the government will find as soon as possible a solution for those who surrendered because in the end, they aren't criminals." SUPER CAPTION: Wife of an SLA member SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) "I can't wait for them to be released so I can see them again before I die." SUPER CAPTION: Mother of four ex-militiamen crying As a result of fighting between the S-L-A and the Lebanese guerillas, only about 5-thousand of the estimated 80-thousand residents remain in Jezzine and surrounding villages. Since June, few families have returned, despite promises made by Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. Lahoud has said that the government will provide security for the residents, but many still fear that Hezbollah will move into the area and turn it into another front line. They also fear Hezbollah will exact revenge on the 200 militiamen who quit the S-L-A and stayed behind. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) "We were expecting some sort of support from the government or from local or foreign institutions. Until now, nothing has happened and the economic situation is very bad in Jezzine." SUPER CAPTION: Bishop Boulos Khawand Unlike other vacated areas, the Lebanese army has not yet moved in, and the area is secured by a small contingent of policemen. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) "Security of this area and its children is under the supervision of the state and there is no job for the Resistance on any liberated land." SUPER CAPTION: Member of Lebanese Parliament and head of Hezbollah Political Bureau Mohamad Raed But while the situation in Jezzine may now be stable, Jezzine's residents cannot shake their fears and anxieties - the constant sound of war planes overhead does nothing to calm their nerves. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...