STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP85M00363R000200370059-0
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RIFPUB
Original Classification: 
K
Document Page Count: 
1
Document Creation Date: 
December 20, 2016
Sequence Number: 
59
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Content Type: 
REPORT
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PDF icon CIA-RDP85M00363R000200370059-0.pdf41.5 KB
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Approved For Release 2008/02/20: CIA-RDP85M00363R000200370059-0 October 23, 1983 Statement by The President Early this morning, I was advised that the headquarters of our Marine contingent in Beirut was the site of a massive truck- bomb explosion which resulted in at least 76 killed and more than 100 wounded. At about the same time the French contingent was also attacked and suffered a number of men killed and injured. These brutal attacks are the latest and most serious sustained in our effort to support the government and people of Lebanon to restore order and stability to their country. All civilised people con- demn this senseless terrorism. Coming at a time when the parties are seeking to open a process of reconciliation, it is par- ticularly tragic. Today my thoughts and prayers, and those of all Americans, are with those brave men killed'and injured, and with their loved ones. My thoughts are also devoted to the urgent task of bringing this cycle of violence to a close. The people of Lebanon have suffered too much for too long. Today as we bow our heads in tribute to those lost in this cause of freedom, we call upon all civilized people in Lebanon and beyond to recognize the futility of violence and the urgency of peaceful accommodation. End of Text Approved For Release 2008/02/20: CIA-RDP85M00363R000200370059-0