Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad warned Sunday against exploiting the protest movement over the garbage crisis to abolish the Taif Accord and pave the way for a constitutional convention.

“What happened yesterday in Martyrs Square is unacceptable and we cannot tolerate the violent crackdown against protesters,” Moawad said.

However, he warned against manipulating the movement to overthrow the Taif Accord.

“We will stand firm against attempts to manipulate the protesters’ rightful demands into a movement aimed at abolishing the Taif Accord and paving the way for a constitutional convention,” Moawad said during a ceremony to commemorate the second anniversary of the bombing of the Taqwa and Salam mosques in Tripoli.

Moawad also condemned vandalism by a group of perpetrators who infiltrated the protest movement.

“We want this government to resign but only if its resignation accomplishes a better future for the Lebanese. However, abolishing the Taif Accord doesn’t solve the garbage crisis but would rather lead to vacuum in power and consequently chaos,” he said.

Moawad urged lawmakers to elect a president  to end the political impasse.