UK voices concern over Beirut violence, backs Salam

British Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said Monday that he was “deeply concerned” by the scenes of “violence and destruction” during the weekend demonstrations in Beirut that left scores of people injured, according to Lebanese Nahar Net.

“As Prime Minister Salam has said the right to peaceful protest must be protected. There should be a full investigation, accountability and all parties must exercise restraint,” Ellwood said in a statement.

He added that London supports Salam in his efforts to “promote political consensus to enable cabinet to work effectively.”

“Lebanon’s citizens deserve to have basic services they can count on and functioning state institutions. I call on all political parties in Lebanon to act in the national interest, rise above partisan differences and resolve the current political crisis,” he went on to say.