Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Deadly Beirut Bomb Blast, Calls on Lebanese Parties Not to Be Provoked by ‘Heinous Terrorist Act’

19 October 2012

Secretary-General SG/SM/14597

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Deadly Beirut Bomb Blast, Calls on Lebanese Parties Not to Be Provoked by 'Heinous Terrorist Act'

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

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the bomb explosion today in the heart of Beirut which killed several people, including General Wissam al-Hassan, a senior commander in the Lebanese Internal Security Forces, and caused dozens of injuries. He conveys his condolences to the families of the victims, and to the Government and people of Lebanon. He calls for this incident to be thoroughly investigated and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The Secretary-General calls on all Lebanese parties not to be provoked by this heinous terrorist act and to maintain their commitment to national unity. At a time of regional turbulence, it is of the utmost importance that all parties ensure calm and restraint in order to preserve peace and stability in Lebanon.

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For information media • not an official record