Secretary-general condemns in strongest terms terrorist attack in Lebanon

that killed six, injured two United Nations peacekeepers

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by, and condemns in the strongest possible terms, the terrorist attack on a United Nations patrol in south Lebanon yesterday that killed six and injured two other United Nations peacekeepers belonging to the Spanish contingent.  He calls for a full investigation into this very disturbing incident and hopes that the Government of Lebanon will succeed in its efforts to bring to justice those responsible.

The Secretary-General notes the fragility of the situation in Lebanon and reiterates the importance of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s (UNIFIL) mandate for stability in the area.  Targeting of UNIFIL is in fact an attempt to undermine peace and security in the region and in particular the Lebanese and international efforts to stabilise the situation in southern Lebanon within the framework of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the Government of Spain and the peoples of Spain and Colombia.  He reiterates his support to the UNIFIL troops in their unwavering commitment to fulfil their mandate under United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) in close collaboration with the army and authorities of Lebanon.

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For information media • not an official record