S/PV.5694 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council. (spoke in English) “The Security Council unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack in Beirut on 13 June 2007, which killed at least nine persons, including Member of Parliament Walid Eido, and injured several others. The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Lebanon. “The Security Council commends the determination and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this and other assassinations and underlines its determination to support the Government of Lebanon in its efforts to this end. “The Security Council condemns any attempt to destabilize Lebanon, including through political assassination or other terrorist acts. The Security Council reiterates its full support to the ongoing efforts by the Government and people of Lebanon to combat terrorism, solidify democracy and institutions through national dialogue and extend the authority of the Lebanese Government throughout its territory. “The Security Council calls upon all parties in Lebanon and the region to show restraint and a sense of responsibility with a view to preventing any further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon. The Security Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001), 1566 (2004) and 1624 (2005), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism. “The Security Council reaffirms its previous calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently with the Security Council for the full implementation of all relevant resolutions, in particular those concerning the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon. “The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to continue to follow closely and report regularly to the Council on the situation in Lebanon.” (spoke in French) This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2007/18. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.