GCC chief condemns barbaric assault on Saudi newspaper bureau in Beirut

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) RIYADH April 2 (KUNA) -- Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani strongly denounced Friday's "barbaric" attack on the Saudi Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper's bureau in Beirut.

"This is a cowardly attack on media freedom enshrined by international laws" Al-Zayani said in a press statement Saturday.

He argued that "this assault does not reflect the real stance of Lebanese people who are totally aware of the effective and special role of Asharq Al-Awsat in supporting Lebanon and its government's efforts to retain security and stability and meet the aspirations of its people for freedom dignity and development." The GCC chief expressed confidence in the ability of Lebanese security agencies to bring assailants to justice.

On Friday several angry people stormed Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper bureau in Beirut and sabotaged its contents. The rioters who accused the paper of offending Lebanon threatened escalation if the daily failed to apologize for the Lebanese people.

Later police arrived to the scene and launched an investigation into the case. (end) yms.ibi