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 08 September 2008 06:10 BST

Foreign secretary raises concern about conflict in Lebanon

Saturday, 10 May 2008 11:18
David Miliband expresses concern about Lebanon
David Miliband has conveyed his "grave concern" about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon and has expressed his support for the country's people.

Lebanon appears to be on the brink of civil war following three days of clashes between the government and supporters of Hezbollah in Beirut, which have so far resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people.

In a statement the foreign secretary said that he has been in communication with the Lebanese prime minister and told him that he has Britain's backing.

Mr Miliband urged the cooperation of all sides and an end to the violence, calling for a democratic election of a new Lebanese president, expressing support for the efforts of the Arab League and the international community to resolve the situation.

He said: "All of Lebanon's leaders must commit themselves to peaceful and democratic dialogue in the interests of all communities in Lebanon."

The statement of the foreign secretary follows that of the UN secretary-general BanKi- Moon, which called on all parties to "exercise restraint", while a UN spokesperson urged those concerned to use peaceful means and dialogue to "address their political differences".

UN special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen has warned that Lebanon appears to be facing its worst crisis since its civil war, which ran for 15 years between 1975 and 1990.

And Washington has also issued a statement, with Condoleeza Rice condemning Hezbollah's killing of innocent civilians, claiming the Iranian-backed group has shown "contempt for its fellow Lebanese".End of story


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