U.N. chief warns against “confrontation” in Lebanon

 

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned on Wednesday there was “a real possibility of a confrontation” if Lebanon fails to elect a president by the end of this week.

 

Deeply divided Lebanese leaders have postponed the presidential election until Friday to allow more time to agree a successor to the pro-Syrian incumbent, whose term expires that day.

 

The delay prolonged a political crisis that many fear could lead to rival administrations and violence in a country still rebuilding from its 1975-1990 civil war. The army strengthened security on Tuesday and urged people to avoid internal strife.

 

Parliament had been due to convene on Wednesday to elect a successor to President Emile Lahoud, but Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said in a statement the vote would be delayed until Friday, the fourth postponement since September.

 

Ban visited Lebanon last week to urge political leaders to come to an agreement on a candidate.

 

“Should the parties fail to reach agreement by 24 November, there is a real possibility of a confrontation,” Ban told an informal meeting of the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday.