UN fears clashes may go out of control

Cairo: UN Middle East envoy Terje Roed Larsen yesterday expressed "grave concern" over the fighting in Lebanon between the army and extremists, warning it could spiral out of control.

"We had long and full discussion on Lebanon, with reasons for grave concern related to the violent incidents of yesterday and this morning," Larsen told reporters after a meeting with Arab League chief Amr Mousa in Cairo.

"I will on behalf of the [UN] Secretary General urge everybody to act in the most responsible manner, or else I feel that the whole situation might ... fall off the cliff," he said.

Lebanese troops pounded militiamen in a Palestinian refugee camp yesterday, the second day of the bloodiest internal fighting since the 1975-1990 civil war that has now killed at least 55 people.

Militant threat

The group, Fatah Al Islam yesterday vowed to extend attacks beyond the northern city of Tripoli if the army continues to pound its positions.

Black smoke billowed from the Nahr Al Bared camp, home to 40,000 Palestinians, as tanks shelled positions held by Fatah Al Islam fighters hitting back with machinegun and grenade fire.

Palestinian sources said yesterday's bombardment had killed nine civilians and wounded 20.

The United States voiced concern over the fighting but said Lebanon was justified in attacking the militants. The German EU presidency said it was "deeply concerned" at the violence and reiterated its support for the government.