Lebanon Bans Syria Rallies As Cabinet Talks Stalled

Lebanese authorities have banned rallies for or against Syria’s regime, as a pan-Islamic group insisted it would go ahead with a demonstration in support of the Syrian opposition.

According to AFP, officials have warned against holding rallies, which could be considered interference in the affairs of Syria.

For its part, pan-Islamic group Hezb Ut-Tahrir has called for a rally after Friday prayers in Tripoli to support Syrian demonstrators. Some 15 members of the party were detained earlier this week for posting leaflets calling for protests.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has said a new government is to be formed after the Easter holiday, the country’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Berri made the remarks after meeting with President Michel Suleiman who also met with Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati. However, there are reports that the three leaders have decided to suspend the talks for the formation of new cabinet until the situation in Syria becomes clear.

Mikati, who was appointed the prime minister-designate on Jan. 25 has been trying to form a government for more than two months.