Paris Condemns Tripoli Violence, Urges All Parties to Hold National Dialogue

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius condemned Monday the deadly clashes that erupted this weekend in the northern city of Tripoli, calling on Lebanese leaderships to "show the spirit of responsibility in this troubled situation.”

In a statement issued by the French Foreign Ministry, Fabius condemned the violence that killed 15 and left dozens injured, praising the “perfect role practiced by the Lebanese Army and security forces, which should be the exclusive owner of weapons in Lebanon.”

He added: “In this troubled situation, it is crucial that the Lebanese politicians show responsibility,” hailing the “wise decision of President Michel Suleiman in gathering the political factions for national dialogue on June 11”.

Fabius voiced his country’s support for Lebanon, adding: “France encourages all Lebanese leaderships to heed President Michel Suleiman’s call and renew dialogue, which is the only way to ease the current tensions.”

Calm returned to Tripoli after the army and security forces deployed in several neighborhoods of the city, where clashes erupted between supporters and opponents of the Syrian regime.

The Syrian uprising has increased tensions in Lebanon, which witnessed 30 years of Syrian hegemony, and remains largely divided between supporters and opponents of President Bashar Assad.