Security Council

5569^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL, IN PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT, CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION

OF LEBANON’S INDUSTRY MINISTER

The Security Council condemned “unequivocally” this afternoon the assassination in Beirut today of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel, describing him as “a patriot who was a symbol of freedom and of political independence of Lebanon”.

In a statement read out by Jorge Voto-Bernales ( Peru), its President for November, the Council also condemned any attempt to destabilize Lebanon through political assassination or other terrorist acts, and expressed grave concern at the assassination and its possible impact on efforts to solidify democracy, extend Government authority throughout its territory and complete the reconstruction process.

The Council called upon all parties in Lebanon and the region to show restraint and a “sense of responsibility”, and urged all States to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.  It welcomed the Government’s determination to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of today’s and other assassinations.

Requesting the Secretary-General to continue reporting regularly on the situation in Lebanon, the Council underlined its readiness to continue its support of the legitimate and democratically elected Government of Lebanon.

The meeting started at 4:16 p.m. and adjourned at 4:21 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2006/46 reads as follows:

“The Security Council unequivocally condemns the assassination in Beirut on 21 November 2006 of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel, a patriot who was a symbol of freedom and of the political independence of Lebanon.  The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim and to the people and Government of Lebanon.

“The Security Council condemns any attempt to destabilise Lebanon through political assassination or other terrorist acts.  The Security Council is gravely concerned by this assassination and its possible impact on ongoing efforts by the Government and people of Lebanon to solidify democracy, extend the authority of the Lebanese Government throughout its territory and complete the reconstruction process.

“The Security Council calls upon all parties in Lebanon and the region to show restraint and a sense of responsibility with a view to preventing any further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon.  The Security Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001), 1566 (2004) and 1624 (2005), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.

“The Security Council welcomes the determination and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this and other assassinations, and underlines its determination to support the Government of Lebanon in its efforts to this end.

“The Security Council reaffirms its previous calls upon all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently with the Security Council for the full implementation of all relevant resolutions concerning the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon, in particular resolutions 1559 (2004), 1595 (2005), 1664 (2006), 1680 (2006) and 1701 (2006).

“The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to continue to follow closely and report regularly to the Council on the situation in Lebanon.  The Security Council underlines its readiness to continue to act in support of the legitimate and democratically elected Government of Lebanon.

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For information media • not an official record