Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement today (19 March) during his visit to Tunisia:

By Germany - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement today (19 March) during his visit to Tunisia:
Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement today (19 March) during his visit to Tunisia:

TUNIS, Tunisia, March 20, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The firing of missiles by the Syrian air force at targets on Lebanese territory is an extremely serious incident and a further step that could escalate the situation, which I condemn in the strongest possible terms.

This is not the first time the Syrian regime has gravely violated the sovereignty of a neighbouring state in its war against its own people.

We call with great urgency on the regime in Damascus and on all warring groups to fully respect the territorial integrity of Syria's neighbouring states.

Like other recent events in Iraq and in the border region with Israel, the Syrian air force's attacks on targets in Lebanon demonstrate the great risk of the conflict expanding beyond Syria's borders. We must do everything possible to tackle the threat of violence spreading throughout the region.