BEIRUT, LEBANON: As rumors of strife between Muslims escalate, Sunnis and Shiias in the country increased efforts to promote national unity and quell such reports.

More than 50 Shiite scholars gathered at Tyre's School of Religion to discuss the latest developments on the local scene, particularly in South Lebanon.

Following the first meeting, Sheikh Youssef Daamoush said he fully supported Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah's proposal to sign a code of honor agreement between politicians.

He also expressed solidarity with Sunni Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani and the Higher Shiia Council Vice President Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan in their calls to consolidate national unity.

The meeting came in line with another held between a delegation of the Muslim Scholars Gathering, including both Shiias and Sunnis, leading religious and political officials in Sidon.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Sheikh Ahmad Zein said the initiative was aimed at promoting cooperation and fighting calls for division among the Lebanese, namely between Muslims.

"Any attempt to create a gap between the Lebanese serves the Israeli enemy and leads Lebanon to ruin."

Asked about fear of a division between Sunnis and Shiias, Zein said: "The US-Zionist project in the region is set to stir strife, but we and all religious and political leaderships will face it."