We strongly condemn the attack perpetrated this morning (27 December) in Beirut city center targeting the former Lebanese Finance Minister Mohamad Chatah and express our sincere condolences to the friendly and brotherly people of Lebanon. We wish God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in this heinous attack, convey our sympathy to their families and hope for a speedy recovery of the wounded. We hope that the perpetrators of this terrorist attack will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.

It is obvious that this heinous act targeted an eminent personality who was respected and appreciated by the people of Lebanon and also contributed to the relations between Turkey and Lebanon, actually chose the stability and integrity of Lebanon as a target in this sensitive period that the region is going through.

We believe that the people of Lebanon, regardless of the segment they belong to in the society, will not be conned by this ploy and opt for the protection of the country’s unity and stability through displaying common sense and restraint.

Turkey is determined to continue to be in solidarity with the State and the people of Lebanon also in this critical period to ensure the preservation of the peace, stability and security of Lebanon and to provide the necessary support.

H.E. Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, conveyed our condolences as well as the abovementioned feelings and thoughts to H.E. Mr. Najib Mikati, Prime Minister of Lebanon, and H.E. Mr. Fouad Siniora, former Prime Minister of Lebanon, with whom he had telephone conservations today.