New York

26 July 2011

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the 26 July attack against a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy on the coastal road near the town of Saida (Sidon), outside UNIFIL's area of operations. According to preliminary information, the attack injured five military members of UNIFIL.

UNIFIL and Lebanese authorities are coordinating closely to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Secretary-General hopes that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice.

The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by this attack on UNIFIL, the second in the last two months. The security and safety of all United Nations personnel in Lebanon is of paramount importance.