Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the bomb attack in Beirut

Brussels,  22-10-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

“I strongly condemn today’s bomb attack in the centre of Beirut, which killed Brigadier General Wissam El-Hassan and several other people going about their business in a residential area. My thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed, to whom I offer my sincerest condolences. I wish all those injured a quick and full recovery.

This shocking attack stands in stark contrast to the recent efforts to rebuild this country, guarantee its stability, consolidate the sense of national unity and promote a culture of dialogue. The perpetrators of this crime must be pursued and brought to justice. I call upon all Lebanese to remain calm and to ensure that this attack does not destabilise the country. The EU will continue giving its full support to the efforts undertaken to advance security and unity in Lebanon, which are essential to the region’s stability.”

###

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 – +32 2 299 97 80 – Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu
Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 – Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTO1@ec.europa.eu
www.eeas.europa.eu