Lebanon's Internal Security Forces said its chief, Major General Ashraf Rifi, will on Saturday hand over his responsibilities to the next high-ranking official, General Roger Salem.
Rifi's term ends at a critical time in Lebanon, amid rising sectarian tensions, and the collapse of the government last week.
Sunnis in Beirut took to the streets earlier this month after two sheikhs were beaten in Shiite neighborhoods.
The situation worsened when deadly clashes erupted in the northern city of Tripoli between supporters and opponents of the Syrian regime.
Prime Minister Najib Miqati resigned after ministers' failure to agree on whether to renew Rifi's term as ISF director general.
The Western-backed March 14 coalition was in favor of extending Rifi's mandate, while the Syrian- and Iranian-backed March 8 alliance was against the move.
Miqati's cabinet was dominated by the March 8 alliance, which is spearheaded by Hezbollah.
Rifi turns 59 in April, which is the maximum age for the post.
30 Mar, 2013
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Source: http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/03/29/-Lebanon-security-chief-to-hand-over-responsibilities-amid-rising-tension.html
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