UN under Secretary General Jeffrey Feltman warned that the security in Lebanon was deteriorating and affected by the situation in Syria.

UN under Secretary General Jeffrey Feltman warned that the security in Lebanon was deteriorating and affected by the situation in Syria.

Talking to the Security Council, Feltman said the latest clashes in Tripoli’s neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh  have highlighted the “need for international action.”

"As the crisis in Syria continues to deteriorate, the situation in Lebanon has become more precarious and the need for continued international support to the government and the Lebanese Armed Forces increasingly important.”

"Tensions over domestic and security concerns remain high throughout the country and are easily exacerbated by developments in Syria," Feltman told a council meeting on the Middle East.

Talking about the arrest of former minister Michel Samaha, Fektman said it "deepened concerns about attempts to draw Lebanon into regional concerns."

The under Secretary General said that UN Chief Ban Ki-moon recently held talks with Prime Minister Najib Miqati on the crisis and "remains focused on protecting Lebanon's stability and sovereignty.”