John Akouri Extends Condolences and Condemns Car Bombing Attack on Lebanese Army and Residents of Tripoli to MP Mustapha Allouche

Fmr. Washington Press Secretary and Capitol Hill Senior Advisor John Akouri, whose family traces their roots to the northern Lebanese port city of Tripoli, released the following statement this morning in a letter to Lebanese Member of Parliament Mustapha Allouche, following news of a car bomb that exploded beside a military bus, killing six people and wounding 17 others:

As an American of Lebanese descent, I know that I speak on behalf of our entire Lebanese American community in extending our sincerest condolences to you and the people of Lebanon for the barbaric bombing that occurred this morning, in my family’s ancestral hometown of Tripoli. The cowardly terrorists who perpetrated this crime have once again proven that they are enemies of Lebanon, its military institutions, the Lebanese people and of all humanity. Please know that those of us in the diaspora stand with you at this time, united against terror and steadfast behind our countrymen and women. This senseless crime is an affront to our people, our region, and the entire Arab world.

I condemn in the strongest terms, this cowardly terrorist attack and express my deepest sympathy to the victims and to their families, and to the people and government of Lebanon. Though difficult but under your leadership, the residents of Tripoli must exercise restraint in the wake of this tragedy, while pursuing justice in accordance with the government of Lebanon. Violence will only contribute to what the terrorists sought to achieve by committing this act. At this time, I call on President Sleiman to act swiftly in the investigation of this heinous act of terrorism.

Please know that the Lebanese American community, especially those of us with ties to Tripoli, stand ready to do all in its power to assist the government of Lebanon, the city of Tripoli and the families of victims from today’s horrific and brutal act of terror. Lebanon will persevere, and Lebanese Americans will continue to underline the need to combat terrorism by all means and to bring perpetrators, financiers, organizers and sponsors of this and every other reprehensible act of terrorism, since 2005 and before, to justice.