To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received of the (a) origin, (b) affiliation and (c) role of extremist Islamist groups in Lebanon; and if she will make a statement. (140368)

The Government have received reports on the origin, affiliation and role of Islamic extremist groups in Lebanon from a range of different sources. These include diplomatic, intelligence, press and academic reports.

We judge that there are a number of extremist Islamist groups operating in Lebanon, of different affiliations and with different and constantly changing allegiances and objectives. Hezbollah is the main force among the Shiite population. There are also several small extremist Sunni groups operating in Lebanon; this includes Fatah Al Islam.

We continue to be concerned by the presence of such groups in Lebanon and their effect on the country's long term stability. We support full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1559 which calls for the disbanding and disarmament of all militias in Lebanon.