BAN SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ATTACK IN NORTHERN LEBANON

BAN SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ATTACK IN NORTHERN LEBANON New York, Aug 13 2008 3:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned this morning's bombing in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, voicing hope that it will not impede progress in the Middle Eastern nation.

According to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3354">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban "believes this attack should not hinder the positive steps that have been taken to return the country to normalcy."

He extended his condolences and sympathies to the Lebanese Government and to the victims and their families, including members of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

According to media reports, the bombing has claimed at least 10 lives, including those of soldiers.

Last month, the Secretary-General welcomed the announcement of the formation of a national unity Government in Lebanon, a key step called for in the agreement reached in late May ending the protracted political stand-off in the country.

Mr. Ban "believes that this important event reflects Lebanon's continuing emergence from the political crisis and the revitalization of its constitutional institutions," his spokesperson said in a statement.
2008-08-13 00:00:00.000

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