LOC17:47
14:47 GMT
CAIRO, Nov 8 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abul-Gheit said he hopes Lebanon may be able to overcome its current crisis "without any effects to its civil peace or stability" as he called on factions to "put the best interests of the nation first and foremost."
The remarks came amid phone calls Abul-Gheit made with several influential political Lebanese figures over the span of two days aimed at listening to their views on the situation after the shock resignation of Saad Al-Hariri from his post as premier.
The calls, which aim to follow up on developments in Beirut, were held with President Michel Aoun, former prime minister Saad Al-Hariri and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, read an Arab League statement released on Wednesday,
According to the statement, Abul-Gheit underlined the Arab League's "rejection and disapproval of any attempt to spread tension or strife in Lebanon."
He also said it was important for Lebanon to maintain its own demographic "far from any party's attempts to cause polarization or impose hegemony or control." (end)
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