Secretary-General Condemns Attack on United Nations Peacekeepers in Lebanon,

 

Says Even More Deplorable on International Day

 

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

I condemn the attack on the United Nations peacekeepers which happened today in Lebanon.  It is all the more deplorable because today is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

We are still receiving details, but it is already clear that a number of United Nations peacekeepers have been wounded.  I extend my sincere sympathies to the peacekeepers and their families, as well as the people and Government of Italy.

The United Nations will work closely together with the Lebanese authorities to have a full and swift investigation on the attack to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Peacekeeping is dangerous and difficult.  I pay tribute to the 120,000 United Nations military, police and civilians who are working under the blue flag around the world for the cause of peace.

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For information media • not an official record