In call with Lebanese officials, UN envoy condemns attack in eastern Lebanon

The top United Nations official in Lebanon strongly condemned today’s suicide bombing at an Internal Security Forces checkpoint in the eastern part of the country.

A UN spokesperson in New York told journalists that UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Derek Plumbly, telephoned the Director of the Internal Security Forces, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Basbous, to express his sympathy following the death of a member of the Security Forces.

According to media reports, the blast in Dahr El-Baidar, which struck at the entrance to Bekaa Valley linking Beirut and Syria, also wounded at least 19 other people.

Mr. Plumbly also telephoned the head of General Security, Maj. Gen. Abbas Brahim.

The UN official has stressed to the Security Council the importance of Lebanese forces for the security and stability of the country.

In a Council meeting last month, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his regret that the Lebanese Parliament was unable to elect a new president and called on Lebanon’s leaders to select a new one “without delay.”