On the Terrorist Act in Tripoli, Lebanon

PRESS RELEASE

A terrorist act was committed against members of the Lebanese army on the morning of September 29 in Tripoli in the north of Lebanon. The bus carrying them was blown up using a car bomb on the outskirts of the city. According to incoming reports, the blast left four people killed, including three soldiers, and about 30 others wounded, among them several civilians.

We resolutely condemn this heinous crime. We express solidarity and support to the leadership of Lebanon, the National Unity Government as well as our condolences to the families of the killed soldiers and civilians.

We note that terrorists have again targeted the military, representatives of the state institution that prevented at the most critical moments of the domestic political crisis a slide of the country into depths of civil war.

It is necessary that the new terrorist attack should receive a consolidated rebuff from all the Lebanese political forces that are now jointly working towards achieving national consensus through dialogue. Only in this way is it possible to secure the preservation of the unity, independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.

For its part, Russia will continue facilitating this in every way.

September 29, 2008