Michel Moawad, head of the Independence Movement, issued the following statement:

“I highly condemn the two terrorist attacks on Jnah, in the suburbs adjacent to the Lebanese capital, reaping the lives of innocent citizens and targeting a highly-ranked diplomatic delegation in Lebanon which led to the critical injury of the Iranian Cultural Attaché. I also extend my sincere condolences to the victims’ families, hoping for the fast recovery of the injured.

Violence strikes again. And when violence is involved, no one comes out victorious. Today’s explosion puts an end to all allegations stipulating that the protection of Lebanon can only be achieved by dragging the country into other parties’ wars. It also reminds us that the “Baabda Declaration”, under all its clauses, is our only path to salvation. This is our only chance to rise up to the many attempts at drowning Lebanon in further conflicts that would lead to nothing but death, be it through the death of Lebanese citizens killed in the Syrian war or through their horrific death on their national soil in bombings and explosions. Unfortunately, their death is a tragic yet a direct consequence of certain Lebanese parties’ involvement in battles in Syria. 

I hereby reiterate the need for all judicial and security related officials and leaders, to mobilize all possible resources and spare no efforts in trying to identify, arrest and bring to justice the bombings’ perpetuators.

May God almighty safeguard our dear country and citizens of all evils.”