FACTBOX: Divisive issues facing Lebanon

(Reuters) - An anti-Syrian "March 14" coalition defeated the "March 8" coalition, including Hezbollah, the powerful Iranian- and Syrian-backed political and military group, in parliamentary election.

Following are the main issues between the rival blocs:

* HEZBOLLAH'S WEAPONS

The role of Hezbollah's guerrilla army, which outguns the Lebanese army, is a major bone of contention. March 14 leaders accused Hezbollah of embroiling Lebanon in the 2006 war with Israel and using its weapons to impose its will on other Lebanese in 2008, when the group and its allies overran the predominantly Muslim half of Beirut, effectively imposing their terms for an end to an 18-month political standoff. March 14 leaders call for a state monopoly on arms, a demand echoed by U.N. Security Council resolutions. But Hezbollah has sworn to keep the weapons it says are vital to defend Lebanon from Israel. Its stance is unlikely to change any time soon, whatever the election outcome. The campaign manifesto of Christian politician Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, formally acknowledges a role for popular resistance in the defense of Lebanon.

RELATIONS WITH SYRIA

Pulling Lebanon from Syria's orbit has been at the heart of March 14's agenda since the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, while many March 8 leaders have very close ties to Damascus. Shortly after Hariri's killing, Syria yielded to international pressure and ended its 29-year military presence in Lebanon. Damascus has now met another international demand by establishing diplomatic ties with its small neighbor for the first time since both countries won independence. Syria still faces calls from March 14 and the United Nations to demarcate its border with Lebanon. March 14 leaders also accuse Syria of arming Palestinian groups based in Lebanon.

HARIRI TRIBUNAL

Establishing an international tribunal to try suspects in Hariri's killing was a key goal of anti-Syrian politicians, who blamed Damascus for the killing. The issue aggravated political conflict with Syria's allies in Lebanon. Plans for the court were never approved by the Lebanese parliament or president. The Security Council voted in May 2007 to set up the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and it began work in March at The Hague. Hezbollah again questioned the neutrality of an international inquiry into the assassination after the tribunal ordered the release of four pro-Syrian generals held without charge since 2005. They had been detained at the request of the then head of the U.N. investigation. Calling the inquiry "dishonest" and "politicized," Hezbollah's leader said on May 1 that nobody should ask him to accept the tribunal's decisions in advance. The issue could raise tension in Lebanon again if the prosecutor issues indictments or calls as witnesses any Syrian officials or their Lebanese allies. Syria denies any role in the killing.

(Writing by Tom Perry)