STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85M00363R000200370059-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Sequence Number: 59
• Content Type: REPORT

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