Thu 30 April 2020:
The Arab League on Wednesday warned of Lebanon’s “slide into the unknown” following bloody clashes between the army and protesters.
At least one protestor died and a dozen others injured in clashes in Tripoli, the country’s second largest city, late Monday.
Anger over the crash of Lebanon’s national currency that sent food prices soaring led to street violence. Protests were witnessed in the capital Beirut, and the city of Sidon as well.
The Arab League, in a statement, expressed its deep concern regarding “the accelerating developments on the Lebanese scene.”
This came in a statement issued by the Arab League, of which Anadolu Agency obtained a copy, following the death of a protester and the injuries of others during clashes between protesters and the army, in the city of Tripoli, northern Lebanon.
“There is a hope that the wisdom of the army’s leadership and security services to act with professionalism and responsibility to prevent Lebanon from slipping into the unknown,” the communique read.
The statement explained that: “The ongoing financial, economic and banking crisis in Lebanon requires decisive and immediate measures… It is clear that the situation in the streets is getting dangerous, as no further delay can be tolerated in this regard.”
The statement called on the Lebanese government to: “Accelerate the decision-making process in order to come up with practical and quick steps for economic reform that can meet the legitimate demands of the Lebanese people.”
Since 17 October, 2019, Lebanon has witnessed popular protests, as demonstrators demanded political and economic reforms. Thus, the protesters have occasionally closed major roads and government institutions.
The movement had led to the resignation of premier Saad Hariri, despite introducing cuts to spending.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
