Security Council

5800^th Meeting (Night)

SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS IN STRONGEST TERMS LEBANON TERRORIST ATTACK

THAT KILLED LEBANESE ARMED FORCES GENERAL FRANÇOIS EL-HAJJ

 

Presidential Statement Reiterates Condemnation of Targeted Assassination,

Demands End to Violence Aimed at Representatives of Lebanese People, Institutions

Demanding an immediate end to intimidation and violence directed towards the representatives of the Lebanese people and institutions, the Security Council today condemned in the strongest terms today’s terrorist attack in Baabda, Lebanon, which killed two persons, including General François el-Hajj of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

In a statement read out by December Council President Marcello Spatafora of Italy, the Council called the attack an attempt to destabilize the Lebanese Armed Forces and reiterated its condemnation of all targeted assassinations of Lebanese leaders.

The Council underlined that no attempt to destabilize Lebanon should prevent the timely holding of free and fair presidential elections without any foreign interference and with full respect for democratic institutions.

Recalling its support for the rapid establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Council stressed that it was of the highest importance that the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of today’s heinous crime be brought to justice.

The meeting started at 7 p.m. and adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2007/47 reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Baabda on 12 December 2007 which killed General François el-Hajj of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and killed and injured several other persons.

“It expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, to the Lebanese Armed Forces, and to the Government of Lebanon.

“The Security Council expresses its strong condemnation of this attempt to destabilize Lebanese institutions, in this particular case the Lebanese Armed Forces.

“The Security Council reiterates its condemnation of all targeted assassinations of Lebanese leaders, particularly since October 2004, and demands an immediate end to the use of intimidation and violence against the representatives of the Lebanese people and institutions.

“It stresses that it is of the highest importance that the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this heinous crime are brought to justice and expresses its determination to support the efforts and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to this end.

“The Security Council recalls its support for the Secretary-General’s efforts for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in a timely manner, as a means to put an end to impunity in Lebanon and deter further assassinations in Lebanon.

“It underlines that no attempt to destabilize Lebanon should prevent the holding, without delay, of a free and fair presidential election in conformity with Lebanese constitutional rules, without any foreign interference or influence, and with full respect for democratic institutions.

“The Security Council emphasizes the importance of the unity of all the Lebanese people.  It also reiterates its full support for all ongoing efforts in Lebanon to combat terrorism, solidify democratic institutions, engage in political dialogue, and pursue national reconciliation.”

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For information media • not an official record