Lebanese Top Officials Condemn 'Brutal Attack' on UNIFIL

Prime Minister Najib Miqati has denounced the roadside bombing that targeted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the southern city of Sidon.

Miqati contacted Interior Minister Marwan Charbel and Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi on Tuesday.

He demanded in a statement for a “speedy probe to determine who was behind the bombing.”

The PM also contacted French Ambassador to Lebanon Dennis Pietton expressing “the cabinet’s condemnation for the brutal attack on the French contingent.”

Miqati voiced “solidarity” with the French peacekeepers that were wounded.

He also told deputy UNIFIL commander Major General Sente Bonfenti that “this attack makes us more determined to strengthen the cooperation with the international forces.”

Speaker Nabih Berri also condemned the “terrorist crime.”

Berri contacted the French ambassador and expressed his regret over the number of the wounded peacekeepers.

Furthermore, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri issued a statement strongly condemning the “terrorist bombing.”

“These kind of terrorist attacks are against Lebanon’s interest, security and stability, and obviously targets (Security Council) resolution 1701,” the statement said.

Hariri stressed that “Lebanon with all its national diversities will remain committed to France.”

In May, six Italian peacekeepers were wounded in Sidon in a similar roadside bombing.

Spain currently commands UNIFIL, which was founded in 1978 and is tasked with overseeing a fragile peace along Lebanon's southern border with Israel.

After Italy, France forms the largest contingent with 1,600 soldiers. It is followed by Spain, with 1,100.

The force has been the target of three other unclaimed attacks.

In the worst, three Spanish and three Colombian peacekeepers were killed in June 2007 when a booby-trapped car exploded as their vehicle passed.