Mr. Nasrallah also emphasized the deep connections between Lebanon and Syria. "We, as Lebanon, cannot close the border with Syria, with our understanding of the political, security and economic risks for this massive displacement," he said. "We must recognize that Lebanon is a country mostly affected by what is going on around it, especially in Syria, because of sectarian and political diversity, and conflict of interest," he said.

At least seven people have been killed and more than 20 hurt in the Lebanese port city of Tripoli, in clashes linked to unrest across the border in Syria. Supporters and opponents of the uprising against President Assad of Syria clashed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades on Saturday evening. Tensions in the northern port city have mounted since Syria's uprising began.

At least two people have been killed and 18 injured in clashes overnight in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The clashes, between Sunni pro- and anti-Syrian groups, followed the shooting dead on Sunday of two anti-Syrian sheikhs. The violence is the first in Beirut since the conflict began in neighbouring Syria in March last year. The BBC's Jim Muir in Beirut says the incident shows how divided the Lebanese are over the Syrian crisis.

The Lebanese government was against Syria's suspension from the Arab League, and that decision increased tension between many of Lebanon's pro- and anti-Syrian government groups.

Syrians attempting to flee across the Lebanese border to escape the violent clampdown of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad are being rounded up and returned to an uncertain fate by Lebanese security forces, according to local residents.