Qatar and UAE call on citizens to leave Lebanon

The Gulf states of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have called on their citizens not to go to Lebanon and for those who are there to leave.

Saturday's call by the two countries' foreign ministries came days after clashes between pro- and anti-Syrian groups in the northern city of Tripoli left eight people and dozens wounded.

Both countries said in statements posted on their state-run news agencies that the reason behind the decision was tension and instability in Lebanon.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour said in a statement that he hopes Qatar and the UAE will review their decision because the situation in Lebanon does not require such steps.

Tripoli has been relatively calm since Tuesday despite sporadic shootings.