Britain Expresses its Concern over Sidon Clashes
Britain expressed on Tuesday its concern over the clashes that took place in the southern city of Sidon over the past two days.
Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt said that he is very worried with the violence in Sidon and the death of a number of Lebanese soldiers in the unrest.
He offered his condolences to the families of the victims, stressing Britain's support for the army and its efforts to maintain peace in Lebanon.
He urged all sides in Lebanon to support the armed forces in the country and commit to the policy of disassociation from the Syrian conflict.
In addition, Burt called on Lebanese powers to reach an agreement over the formation of a new government that can help successfully help Lebanon overcome the current challenges it is facing.
At least 16 soldiers were killed and 50 were wounded in clashes with the armed supporters of Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir in Sidon.
More than 20 of al-Asir's supporters were killed, according to a security official.
Dozens of them were also arrested, but there was no sign of the cleric.
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