(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-11-23 16:40

BEIRUT - Lebanon's turmoil worsened on Friday with rival political camps failing to find a consensus that would allow parliament to choose a new head of state before President Emile Lahoud's term expires at midnight.

Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud (C) poses with the army's Chief of Staff Michel Sleiman (2nd L) and officers during Independence Day celebrations in Baabda, near Beirut, November 22, 2007. [Agencies]

Many fear Lahoud's departure from office with no deal could result in two rival administrations and violence in a country still rebuilding from its 1975-1990 civil war.

The Western-backed majority bloc plans to go to a parliamentary session due to convene at 1 p.m. (1100 GMT), but it is not expected to elect a president in the face of a declared boycott by the Hezbollah-led opposition.

The opposition boycott means the chamber cannot command a two-thirds quorum for a vote already postponed four times.

French-led mediation has failed to forge agreement on Lahoud's successor between groups opposed to Syrian influence in Lebanon and others backed by Damascus, including Hezbollah.

"This is very worrisome," a taxi driver who gave his name only as Mohammad said. "We have learned to expect the worst and this (deadlock) could leave the country in flames."

Thousands of Lebanese soldiers and police, backed by armored vehicles, deployed across Beirut overnight, lining some streets leading to parliament in downtown Beirut. Others guarded government buildings or manned checkpoints.

Extra measures were taken around a five-star hotel where dozens of anti-Syrian lawmakers have been staying under guard for the past two months for fear of assassination attempts.

Lebanon has been rattled by some 30 politically motivated attacks over the last three years that have killed dozens, including eight anti-Syrian politicians and journalists.

The army has warned against any internal strife. Both sides have accused each other of arming their supporters.

"Lebanon today is different than that of yesterday. Consensus is absent and the country has reached the stage of difficult decisions," Voice of Lebanon radio station said.

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