Large-scale disorder began in Lebanon January 23 when opposition supporters led by the Islamist group Hezbollah began burning tires in violent protests that left two dead and over 40 wounded. Opposition supporters demanded the Cabinet's resignation.
At least three people were killed and nearly 200 injured in clashes at Beirut Arab University Thursday between student rioters backing the Western-leaning government of Fuad Saniora and supporters of the Islamist Hezbollah group.
An overnight curfew imposed in the wake of the violence was lifted Friday morning, but Army troops continue to patrol the city, which remains tense.
"We are calling again on Lebanon's government and all political and ethno-confessional forces in the country to try looking for a way out of the crisis on the basis of dialogue, respect for constitutional norms, reasonable concessions and account for mutual legal interests," the ministry said.
The ministry said Lebanon's stability on the basis of nationwide consensus is a necessary condition of peace and security in the Middle East.
