Press release

FCO Minister concerned by fighting in Northern Lebanon

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt calls for immediate end to violence in Tripoli

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Commenting on the continuing violence in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, said:

I am greatly concerned by the fighting in Tripoli in recent days, including the reported deaths of 16 people. I commend the actions of the Lebanese Armed Forces and urge all concerned to take immediate steps to end the violence. This underlines the growing threat to the region posed by the Syrian conflict, and the urgent need for progress on a political transition in Syria.

As I said during my visit to Beirut last month, all parties in Lebanon should abide strictly by the policy of disassociation from the Syria conflict.

I encourage all Lebanese parties to act responsibly and put Lebanon’s national interests first. The UK remains fully committed to supporting peace and stability in Lebanon.

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Published 23 May 2013