US and Russia push entire region toward war with reckless weapons greed and agitation – then shout fire

US and Russia concerned by Lebanon security situation
21 May, 2012 – Al Akhbar

The United States and Russia on Monday voiced concern about security in Lebanon after two clerics were shot and killed amid violence between between pro and anti Syrian groups.

US State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner issued a statement welcoming a pledge by the Lebanese authorities to probe the shootings and urged all sides to show restraint amid fears the violence in Syria was spilling into Lebanon.

“We are concerned by the security situation in Lebanon following the shooting of Sheikh Ahmad Abdul Wahad and Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Merheb near a Lebanese Army checkpoint in the northern region of Akkar,” Toner said.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry also called for calm, saying Lebanese politicians should show restraint.

“Moscow is seriously concerned over the rise of public discontent in Lebanon…we are calling on Lebanese politicians to show restraint and high patriotic responsibility in this uneasy moment both for the country and for the region,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Lebanese troops shot dead two clerics, including anti-Syrian figure Abdel-Wahad, when their convoy failed to stop at a checkpoint in the Akkar region of north Lebanon on Sunday, sparking protests across the country.

The killings come after a week of intermittent clashes between rival groups in the second city of Tripoli. …source