Security Council

5747^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL, IN PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT, CONDEMNS YESTERDAY’S TERRORIST ATTACK

IN BEIRUT, DEMANDS IMMEDIATE END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST LEBANESE REPRESENTATIVES

Demanding an immediate end to intimidation and violence against the representatives of the Lebanese people, the Security Council this afternoon strongly condemned yesterday’s terrorist attack in Beirut, which killed Member of Parliament Antoine Ghanem and at least six other persons.

According to a statement read out by this month’s Council President, Jean-Maurice Ripert of France, the Council also reiterated its call for a free and fair presidential election to be held according to the timetable and norms of the Lebanese Constitution without any foreign interference. 

The meeting began at 2:10 p.m. and ended at 2:14 p.m.

The full text of S/PRST/2007/34 reads as follows:

“The Security Council strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Beirut on 19 September 2007 which killed at least seven persons, including Member of Parliament Antoine Ghanem.  The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Lebanon.

“The Security Council commends 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 reiterates its condemnation of all targeted assassinations of Lebanese leaders, including since November 2004, and demands an immediate end of the use of intimidation and violence against the representatives of the Lebanese people and institutions.  On the eve of the crucial period of the presidential election, it stresses that any attempt to destabilize Lebanon, including through political assassination or other terrorist acts, should not impede or subvert the constitutional process in Lebanon.

“The Security Council reiterates, in this context, its call for the holding of a free and fair presidential election in conformity with Lebanese constitutional norms and schedules and without any foreign interference, fully respecting the sovereignty of Lebanon.

“The Security Council emphasizes the importance of the unity of all the Lebanese people.  It also reiterates its full support to all ongoing efforts in Lebanon to combat terrorism, solidify democratic institutions through national dialogue, and continue to extend the authority of the Lebanese Government throughout its territory.”

* *** *

For information media • not an official record