Brussels, 26/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - “Appalled” by the tragic attacks that took place in the north of Lebanon on 23 August, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton the same day condemned this terrorist attack “in the strongest terms”. “Terrorism and any use of violence against civilians are completely unacceptable”, Ashton stated. She called for a swift investigation into the events and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Ashton called on all parties to exercise restraint so as to facilitate the course of investigations and justice, and she called on them to cooperate fully with the Lebanese authorities.
Ashton “underlines the need to maintain peace and security in Lebanon”, said her spokesperson, and she reiterates the EU's “continued” commitment to Lebanon's “unity, stability, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
At least 40 people died and several hundred were wounded in a double attack in front of two Sunni mosques in Tripoli on Friday, the day of official prayer. (CG/transl.fl)