Lebanon's Premier Fouad Saniora called for an urgent parliamentary session to discuss the deteriorating security situation after riots between anti and pro-government followers claimed three lives and wounded scores of others on Tuesday. Saniora told a news conference "I demand an immediate extraordinary meeting by the parliament to settle issues within the constitutional institutions."
According to Saniora, the general strike called by the opposition has developed into "provocations that went beyond all limits." "Blocking roads…is an aggression on the people and their freedoms. It is an attack on social order and it involves risks that are hidden to nobody."
However, he stressed that "our hands remain stretched to facilitate dialogue and settle problems and renew confidence between the Lebanese." The premier said the March 14 parliamentary majority that supports his government "will not fail to listen to the opinions of others."
He urged for "quick treatment that would take differences away from the street to be discussed within the framework of legitimate institutions, topped by the parliament."
Security sources told Naharnet most of the casualties suffered bullet wounds in the confrontations that spread across most of the country.
© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
