Lebanon bombings draw widespread condemnation

Lebanon bombings draw widespread condemnation

BureauUpdated: Saturday, June 01, 2019, 07:12 PM IST
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Washington: Requesting all parties to exercise calm and restraint, various countries, along with the United Nations, have condemned terrorist bombings at the al-Taqwa and al-Danawi mosques in Tripoli that killed at least 42 people and wounded more than 400.

The UN Security Council in a statement, appealed to all Lebanese people to preserve national unity in the face of attempts to undermine the country’s stability.

It also extended condolences to the families of the victims, and expressed their sympathy to all those injured in this heinous act, and to the people and government of Lebanon.

“UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, strongly condemns the two bomb explosions, shortly after Friday prayers, outside two mosques in the north Lebanese city of Tripoli, leaving tens of people killed and hundreds injured,” a UN statement said.

Ban called on all Lebanese to exercise restraint, remain united and support their state institutions, particularly the security forces, in maintaining calm and order in Tripoli and throughout the country, and in preventing the recurrence of such destructive actions.

“The Secretary-General hopes that those responsible for such cowardly acts of violence will be brought to justice as soon as possible. He reiterates the determination of the international community to support Lebanon’s security and stability,” said the statement attributable to his spokesperson.

In a separate statement, the US also strongly condemned the terrorist bombings at the al-Taqwa and al-Danawi mosques in Tripoli.

“We extend our deepest sympathies for those killed and concern for those wounded in today’s attack,” State Department spokesperson, Marie Harf, said in a statement.

“The United States urge all parties to exercise calm and restraint and to desist from actions that could contribute to an escalating cycle of retribution and violence,” she said.

“We reaffirm our firm commitment to a stable, sovereign, and independent Lebanon and support the Lebanese government’s efforts to restore stability and security in the country,” Harf said.

Canadian Foreign Minister, John Baird condemned terrorist attacks on worshippers at two mosques in the Lebanese city of Tripoli.

“Canada urges the people of Lebanon to stay united in the face of such cowardly acts of terrorism and to reject violence as a means of resolving political disputes. I urge the Lebanese authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.

“Canada is also very concerned about the risk of Lebanon being drawn into the Syrian crisis by radical elements. Lebanon cannot become a new battleground for sectarian conflict or the settling of Syria’s scores,” Baird said.

Condemning the attack, British Foreign Office Minister, Alistair Burt, it is important that the Lebanese authorities are given the support they need to investigate this attack fully and return calm to the streets of Tripoli.

“Lebanon has fought hard to maintain peace and security in the face of regional pressures. I appeal to all the people of Lebanon to pull together, to resist attempts to divide, and to renounce this attack and focus on securing a prosperous future free from the threat of violence.  The UK remains strongly committed to supporting stability in Lebanon,” he said.

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