BEIRUT, Lebanon: Lebanon’s Higher Shia Council headed by Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan on Thursday banned the use of weapons or violence in reaction to political or sectarian differences.

In a statement issued following its regular monthly meeting, the Council said it was forbidden to launch "any attacks or use arms against anyone over political discord."

Lebanon "is in a state of political and economic paralysis due to the lack of serious solutions to the political deadlock," it added, saluting the efforts of all Lebanese who are "working hard to avoid sectarian strife."

"Wise Lebanese leaders" were urged to sit together and come up with a solution to the crisis as foreign intervention in domestic affairs "only contributes to worsening the situation and increasing tensions," the Council said.

The council welcomed the donation of $7.6 billion for Lebanon during the Paris III summit held last month, but said the success of the recent donors conference "will not materialize unless an internal national accord is established."