Brussels, 23/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has condemned “in the strongest terms” the attack against the French embassy in Tripoli (Libya) earlier today. Stressing that “terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and cannot be justified under any circumstance”, she called for those responsible for the attack to be brought to justice and held accountable for their acts. “I trust the Libyan authorities are undertaking the necessary investigations in this regard”, Ashton added. She reiterated that the EU “remains committed to assist Libya in implementing the democratic transition process with the objective of ensuring peace and security in full respect of the rule of law and human rights”.
Condemning the attack “with the greatest firmness”, French President François Hollande said that “France is waiting for the Libyan authorities to shed light on this unacceptable act so that the perpetrators can be identified and brought to justice”. “This act targets, through France, all countries of the international community that are engaged in the fight against terrorism”, he stated. French Minister for Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius was due to visit Tripoli on 23 April in order to “take all the necessary measures”. Fabius described the act as “heinous”, saying that “this attack could have been an absolute carnage”. “It just needed a few more minutes. If the staff had been there, it would have been a terrible tragedy”, he said.
Like Libyan Foreign Affairs Minister Abdel Aziz, who described the act as “terrorist”, his German counterpart, Guido Westerwelle, also condemned the attack (our translation). He too called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Two policemen were wounded, one seriously, in an explosion at around 7.00am this morning which could have been due to a booby-trapped car, in front of the French embassy. About 80% of the embassy has reportedly been destroyed. (CG/transl.fl)