New York

27 March 2005

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Easter eve bombing in Lebanon

The Secretary-General condemns the continued bombings in Lebanon, where an explosion in Beirut late Saturday killed two people and injured at least eight others. He is especially saddened that this latest attack, the third in Lebanon in only a week, was carried out on the eve of Easter, just as many of the nation's Christians were preparing to attend mass.

The Secretary-General believes this latest violence must stop, and that Lebanese should be allowed to decide the future of their country free of violence and intimidation. He calls upon the Government of Lebanon to act rapidly to prevent the security situation from deteriorating. He urges all concerned parties to do their utmost to safeguard Lebanon's stability and national unity.