SHOCKED BY KILLING OF LEBANESE INDUSTRY MINISTER, SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS

MURDER OF STRONG BELIEVER IN INDEPENDENT, DEMOCRATIC, UNITED LEBANON

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was shocked to learn today of the assassination of Pierre Gemayel, the Minister of Industry of Lebanon and one of the leaders of the 14 March movement, who believed strongly in an independent, democratic and united Lebanon.  The Secretary-General strongly condemns this murder and extends his deepest sympathies to the family and to the Government of Lebanon.

This cold-blooded murder was carried out one day after the Security Council considered the report on the establishment of the special tribunal for Lebanon.  The Secretary-General reiterates that such acts of terrorism undermine Lebanon’s stability, are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic and open society.  The perpetrators and instigators of today’s attack must be brought to justice to ensure an end to impunity.  The Secretary-General calls upon all parties to maintain national unity at this critical moment.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record