UN envoy expresses concern over renewed clashes in northern Lebanese city

The top United Nations envoy in Lebanon today expressed serious concern over the recurrence of armed clashes in the city of Tripoli, and stressed the need for a long-term solution to stop the violence.

According to media reports, a series of clashes between supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad broke out last week in the northern Lebanese city and continued over the weekend, killing 17 people and wounding more than 100.

The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Derek Plumbly, in a meeting with Mufti Malek Shaar, welcomed the restoration of calm in the country’s second largest city but added that a temporary halt of the violence is not enough and that a long-term security and economic solution is needed.

“Mr. Plumbly encouraged all sides to respect and cooperate with State institutions, particularly the security authorities, who have a significant burden as they work to keep Lebanon safe from the impact of the crisis in neighbouring Syria,” UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky told reporters in New York.

Mr. Plumbly also offered his sincere condolences for the recent loss of life.