BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 14 (UPI) -- The top U.N. envoy to Lebanon urged Beirut to ensure safe and fair municipal elections.
Michael Williams, the U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, discussed next month's elections with the country's Social Affairs Minister Salim Sayegh in Beirut, the United Nations said in a statement on its Web site.
"I trust that this process will take place in a democratic and safe atmosphere free from intimidation," Williams said.
Lebanon is a deeply divided country led by a unity government that includes pro-Western Prime Minister Saad Hariri and a strong Hezbollah faction.
The government formed last November after months of deadlock following last June's general election.
Yet the country remains divided and, although political parties have pledged to keep calm ahead of the municipal elections, the situation remains fragile.
