The US on Thursday urged an easing of tensions in Lebanon following deadly clashes in Beirut at a demonstration against judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator into last year’s massive blast at the Beirut port.
“We join Lebanese authorities in their call for calm, their calls for de-escalation of tensions,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at a briefing in Washington.
The United States declined to comment on who was responsible but reiterated its criticism of Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group which Washington considers a terrorist group.
"The future of Lebanon's democracy depends on the ability of its citizens to address the difficult issues with confidence in the rule of law," Price said.
“Judges must be free from violence, they must be free from threats, they must be free from intimidation, including that of Hezbollah. We have consistently been clear that Hezbollah’s terrorist and illicit activities undermine Lebanon’s security, they undermine Lebanon’s stability, and they undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty. There’s no question about that,” he said.
At least six people were killed after shots were fired at a demonstration by supporters of Hezbollah and Amal Movement, who were rallying against Bitar. The escalation sparked fears of a return to sectarian strife.
