Political manipulation seen behind Lebanon violent protests - UN official

Violence by some protesters in the Lebanese capital Beirut appears to be politically driven to undermine security and stability, a senior United Nations official said on Thursday.
 
"This looks more like a political manipulation to provoke the security forces, to undermine civil peace, to fan up sectarian strife," Jan Kubis, U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, wrote on Twitter, mentioning attacks on security forces and vandalism of state institutions and private property.

In another tweet, Kubis praised the presence of 6 women in Lebanon’s newly formed government.

“Don’t let political considerations blur a major positive achievement : 6 women in the government means 30%, a woman for the first time as deputy PM and Minister of Defense. Help them to succeed, judge them on their results,” he said.

“Women continue to lead the peaceful revolution. Now it is for the women ministers to help steer the government’s work towards addressing the aspirations and needs of the people, for it to make a real difference,” he added.