SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS BEIRUT TERRORIST BOMBING,

CALLS ON ALL PARTIES TO WORK TOWARDS UNITED LEBANON

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was appalled to hear, yet again, of a bombing in Beirut, which killed two people and injured the current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Elias Murr, and several others.  He extends his sympathies to the victims and condolences to their families.  The Secretary-General strongly condemns this terrorist act which has the effect of undermining the process of building a peaceful, independent and sovereign Lebanon.  The Secretary-General reiterates his support, and that of the international community, for the right of the Lebanese people to live free of fear and intimidation.

The Secretary-General strongly urges the Government of Lebanon to exert every effort to bring to justice those behind this and previous crimes that appear aimed at destabilizing the situation.  He calls upon all parties to work towards a united and democratic Lebanon.

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