SECURITY COUNCIL STRONGLY CONDEMNS DEADLY TERRORIST ATTACK IN LEBANON

The following Security Council press statement on Lebanon was read out today by Council President Michel Kafando ( Burkina Faso):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Lebanon on 10 September 2008, which killed Saleh Aridi, a member of the Lebanese Democratic Party, and injured several other persons.

They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Lebanon.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism to justice, commended the commitment of the Government of Lebanon to this end and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Lebanese authorities in this regard.  They also recalled the need to put an end to impunity in Lebanon.

The members of the Security Council emphasized the importance of the unity of all the Lebanese people.  They also reiterated their full support for all ongoing efforts in Lebanon to combat terrorism, solidify democratic institutions, engage in political dialogue and pursue national reconciliation.

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For information media • not an official record