News In Brief

Beirut sees heavy fighting despite 'unity' government

Fighting across the divided Lebanese capital died down early Sunday after a night in which 18 people were killed and at least 70 wounded in heavy shelling of residential areas on both sides of the city.

The violence erupted unexpectedly Saturday evening despite Prime Minister Rashid Karami's success in persuading the leaders of all the main combatant parties to join his new Cabinet of National Unity.

Last weekend more than 20 people were killed and 100 wounded during shelling in the embattled city.