Hezbollah defeated in Lebanese election

A surprise victory in Lebanon's elections by supporters of the country's Cedar Revolution against Hezbollah should be confirmed today.

Officials estimated the bloc won 70 seats in the 128-member parliament in yesterday's vote, renewing its majority four years after the popular rally which pushed Syria's army from the country.

The outcome was a blow to Syria and Iran, which support Hezbollah, but welcome news for the US, which lists Hezbollah as a terrorist group and has linked aid to Lebanon to the shape and policies of the next government.

Hezbollah and its supporters swept the vote in mainly Shia areas, but defeat of its Christian ally, Michel Aoun, in two districts deprived it of the majority many predicted.

Saad al-Hariri, the Sunni leader of the Cedar Revolution, emerged as frontrunner to head the government and follow his father, former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, whose assassination led to the March 2005 demonstrations.

"Congratulations to Lebanon, congratulations to democracy, congratulations to freedom," he said.