Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab says he'll call for early elections

In a televised speech on Saturday evening, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said the only solution to save the country was to hold early elections, which he planned to propose in a draft bill.

His statement came as security forces clashed with protesters in the capital Beirut, amid mounting fury over this week's explosion that devastated much of the city and killed nearly 160 people.

Dozens were still missing and nearly 6,000 people injured.

Diab called on all political parties to put aside their disagreements and said he was prepared to stay in the post for two months to allow time for politicians to work on structural reforms.