BEIRUT (Ruptly) — Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said he will call for an early parliamentary election at a cabinet meeting on Monday in response to the anti-government protests over Beirut port explosions. Diab was speaking during a televised address in the capital on Saturday.

The announcement came as police clashed with protesters calling for the resignation of the government.

Diab said:

I’d like all the political parties to agree on the coming period. We do not have much time. I am prepared to bear this responsibility for two months until they can come to an agreement. What is needed is for them to not stand in the way of achieving structural reforms, in order to save the country.

He added that he would keep the post of Prime Minister for two months to allow political parties to reach a deal.