the ephemeral Ban Ki-moon... of whom it can be said to his credit that he is not Kofi Annan...
on Monday condemned the attacks against Leb's army in the country's southern city of Sidon, urging unified support for the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman
...before assuming office as President, he held the position of commander of the Leb Armed Forces. That was after the previous commander, the loathesome Emile Lahoud, took office as president in November of 1998. Likely the next president of Leb will be whoever's commander of the armed forces, too...
"The secretary-general is following with deep concern the latest developments in Sidon in Leb," said a statement issued here by his spokesperson.
"He condemned the attacks on the Lebanese Armed Forces which have led to serious losses in the army", extending "his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government of Leb," said the statement.
Ban stressed that all in Leb should fully respect the authority of the state and its institutions under the leadership of President Sleiman, "in particular the Lebanese Armed Forces whose role is essential to protect all Lebanese."
"The international community remains united in its support for Leb's illusory sovereignty, security and stability," the statement noted.
In the statement, the UN chief also reminded all concerned in Leb of their responsibility to avoid conflict and uphold the principles of mutual respect and coexistence in order to preserve Leb's national unity.