UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging for an end to violent clashes between the Lebanese government and opposition leaders.
"The secretary-general is greatly concerned that the political dispute in Lebanon has resulted in confrontation on the streets, reportedly leading to injuries and loss of life," said Ban's spokeswoman, Michele Montas.
At least 26 people were injured Tuesday in an opposition strike that paralyzed Lebanon. The clashes raised tension as independent analysts advised they could lead to more unrest and even civil strife if the two camps don't sit down and find a solution over forming a new government to resolve the crisis.
Hostilities broke out in Beirut and other Lebanese cities as government demonstrators fought with supporters of the Hezbollah-led opposition which sealed off main roads and tried to impose a strike across the country, said security sources.
The office of Ban's Personal Representative for Lebanon Geir Pedersen said Beirut airport had been cut off during the demonstrations and was temporarily closed. Many roads in Beirut and in other parts of Lebanon have been cut off by road block, he said.
On Wednesday, Ban will go to Paris for a reconstruction conference on Lebanon where he is expected to discuss the latest incidents. The conference will be hosted by French President Jacques Chirac.
"It is essential that all parties within Lebanon work through the democratic process and return to dialogue as a means of addressing their political differences," said Montas.
