UN calls for immediate end to clashes in northern Lebanon

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Derek Plumbly, on Friday called on local parties to exert their utmost efforts to stop the fighting in northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. Following meeting with caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel, Plumbly said that \"this tragic fighting, for which there is no excuse, must stop for the sake of Lebanon.\" 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.\" At least 23 people have been killed and 167 others wounded since last Sunday in Syria-linked clashes between Sunni and Alawite residents in Tripoli. The latest round of violence began as Syrian President Bashar Assad\'s troops launched an assault against the rebel stronghold of Qusayr in Syria\'s central province of Homs. Plumbly reiterated calls for political foes to carry out parliamentary elections according to \"international standards.\" He said \"the UN is involved in providing technical support to the Ministry of Interior in the preparations for elections... Lebanese leaders must ensure the continuity of institutions.\"