•Terrorist Bombing / Saudi Assistance to Lebanese Armed Forces

Daily Press Briefing Washington, DC January 2, 2014

Marie Harf Deputy Spokesperson:

The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's terrorist bombing in the Haret Hreik region of southern Beirut. We send our condolences to the victims and their families. We urge all parties to refrain from retaliatory acts that would further escalate tension and threaten Lebanon's stability and the lives and livelihoods of the Lebanese people. The Lebanese people must be allowed to carry on their lives free of fear from attacks.

We reiterate our support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces as legitimate government institutions that protect and serve all Lebanese, and we renew our call for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559 – 1559, excuse me, and 1701, the Taif Agreement and the Baabda Declaration to ensure Lebanon's sovereignty. Implementing and adhering to the letter and spirit of these resolutions and agreements is the way to support a stable, secure, and free Lebanon.