25/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - Concerned at the deteriorating situation, Ashton calls for calm. On 23 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said she was concerned at the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, especially following the decision of Prime Minister Najib Mikati to resign the previous day, Ashton's spokesperson stated in a press release. “The lack of consensus among political forces in cabinet and parliament has resulted in deadlock, not least over the elections, while security incidents continue to test the stability of the country”, he added. Condemning the renewed violence in Tripoli, during sectarian violence in which at least one person died and several others were wounded, Ashton called on all parties “to exercise restraint, to cooperate in a spirit of dialogue, and to support the work of all the security forces, including the Army, in maintaining calm.” (CG/transl.fl)