Lebanon's president on Monday postponed talks with heads of parliamentary blocs on naming a new prime minister after a particularly violent weekend that saw security forces fire tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons for two straight days to disperse hundreds of protesters.
The violence was the toughest crackdown so far on anti-government demonstrations that have gripped Lebanon since mid-October, paralyzing the nation and plunging this tiny Arab country into unprecedented political and financial turmoil.
The presidential palace said the consultations, which had been planned for Monday would take place on Thursday instead, following a special request from outgoing Prime Minister Saad Hariri.