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Lebanese leaders call on security agencies to help end violence

TRIPOLI, Lebanon, May 24 (UPI) -- Top Lebanese officials Friday called on security agencies to work toward ending fighting in the northern city of Tripoli.

The plea was made by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Prime Minister designate Tammam Salam and former prime ministers Omar Karami and Fouad Siniora, The (Beirut) Daily Star reported.

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"We call on security agencies to implement an urgent plan to prevent an armed presence in all the neighborhoods and streets of the city of Tripoli in order to reach an arms-free Tripoli," a statement from the officials said.

The officials said additional military presence is not needed elsewhere in Lebanon, but in Tripoli, if threatened, army forces should "strike with an iron fist at anyone who violates the law or carries arms regardless to which party he belongs."

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