BRASILIA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian government expressed its support for Lebanon's defense of public order, official sources said Wednesday.

    In a Tuesday night statement, Brazil's foreign ministry reiterated its support for UN Resolutions 1559 and 1701 which demand foreign troops withdraw from the country and call for the prevention of illegal arms sales, smuggling operations in Lebanon and the disarming of all militia.

    The Brazilian government calls on parties involved to redouble efforts to protect the civilian population and guarantee access by the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations, the statement said.

    Brazil is also concerned about the Sunday and Monday bomb attacks in Beirut, and supports the Lebanese government's investigation of those responsible for the violence, the statement said.

    At least 50 soldiers and militants have died in three days of fighting between Lebanese security forces and militants from the faction of Fatah al Islam group in Nahr el Bared, a refuge camp close to the Lebanese city, the worst Lebanese internal violence since the 1975-1990 civil war.