Security Council

5704^th Meeting (AM)

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT CONDEMNS LEBANON TERRORIST ATTACK;

SIX UN PEACEKEEPERS KILLED, INCLUDING SPANISH, COLOMBIAN NATIONALS

Commends Lebanese Government’s Commitment to Investigate,

Appeals for United Nations Peacekeepers’ Safety, Freedom of Movement

The Security Council today condemned, in the strongest terms, yesterday’s terrorist attack in south Lebanon that killed six peacekeepers of the Spanish contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which also included Colombian nationals.

Through a statement read out by its President for the month, Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht of Belgium, the Council commended the commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack targeting peacekeepers.

In addition, the Council reaffirmed its full support to the Lebanese Government in its efforts to maintain security, and appealed to all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL.

The meeting, which opened at 10:10 a.m., adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2007/21 reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on 24 June near the town of Khiyam in south Lebanon, which targeted the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) in Lebanon and killed six United Nations peacekeepers of the Spanish contingent.

“The Security Council extends its deepest condolences to the families of those victims, which included Colombian nationals.

“The Security Council notes the condemnation of this attack by the Government of Lebanon and commends the determination and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack.

The Security Council reaffirms its full support to the Lebanese Government and army in their efforts to ensure security and stability throughout Lebanon.

“The Security Council appeals to all parties concerned to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel, including by avoiding any course of action that endangers United Nations personnel and by ensuring UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of movement throughout its area of operations.

“The Security Council reaffirms its full support to UNIFIL in carrying out its mandate to assist in the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) and expresses its strong appreciation to Member States contributing troops.”

* *** *

For information media • not an official record