U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday appealed for calm in Lebanon after the collapse of the government there. Media reports say that eleven ministers close to Lebanon's Hezbollah-led opposition withdrew from the Cabinet over the U.N.-backed tribunal investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. "The secretary-general is monitoring closely developments in Lebanon, where the situation is fast evolving," Ban's press office said in a statement. "He emphasizes the importance that calm be preserved." "The Secretary-General further calls for continuing dialogue among all parties and respect for the Constitution and the laws of Lebanon," the statement added. "He reiterates his full support for the independent work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon." Hezbollah has demanded that current Prime Minister Saad Hariri, son of the slain former prime minister, dissolve the tribunal fearing some of its members may be indicted.
