Lebanese Army to extend its sway to Beirut port

The Lebanese government announced sweeping measures against illegal trade and announced it would take control next Monday of a part of Beirut port. A spokesman said the authorities reached agreement with the Christian militia on handing over one basin of the port to the Army. Western diplomats said the basin was the militia's major source of income, bringing in as much as $5 million a month. The action is part of a government campaign to restore its authority after eight years of civil war. A government communique said authorities would pursue anyone selling goods without proper documents.