SIDON, Lebanon: The Consultative Gathering of Sidon formed a delegation Friday tasked with contacting various groups in the city in a bid to restore stability.

Speaking after the Gathering’s regular meeting that she chaired, Sidon MP Bahia Hariri said the delegation would contact the city’s various political factions.

Tensions have been high in Sidon recently after continued protests by Salafist Sheikh Ahmad Assir, who is demanding that Hezbollah-linked men leave apartments near his mosque in Abra, east of Sidon.

The delegation is comprised of Ali Sharif, the head of the Sidon Merchants Association and Sidon’s Mayor Mohammed Saudi. Attending the Gathering’s meeting at Hariri’s residence in Majdalyoun were former premier Fouad Siniora and other political figures.