Plumbly Meets Charbel, Calls for Elections According to 'International Standards'

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly reiterated on Friday calls for political foes to carry out the parliamentary elections according to “international standards.”

“The U.N. is involved in providing technical support to the Ministry of Interior in the preparations for elections... Lebanese leaders must ensure the continuity of institutions,” Plumbly said after holding talks with Caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel.

Asked if he supports holding polls based on the 1960 electoral law, the diplomat noted that the “there are discussions in the Parliament... We hope they're successful.”

In its eighth round of talks, the parliamentary electoral subcommittee failed to reach an agreement over a new electoral law as Speaker Nabih Berri did not set a date for a new session.

This failure has raised fears of a political vacuum in Lebanon or that the parliamentary elections will be held according to the 1960 law or that the term of the current parliament will be extended.

Plumbly also discussed with Charbel the ongoing clashes in the northern city of Tripoli.

“This tragic fighting, for which there is no excuse, must stop for the sake of Lebanon,” the official said.

He urged all political leaders and “those with influence” to do all it takes to “enable the army and security forces to control the situation and restore peace and normality in the city.”

Plumbly described the meeting with Chabel as “good.”

At least 23 people have been killed and 167 others wounded since Sunday in Syria-linked clashes between Sunni and Alawite residents Tripoli.

The latest round of violence began as President Bashar Assad's troops launched an assault against the rebel stronghold of Qusayr in Syria's central province of Homs.