SC/8407
8 June 2005
Security Council Presidential Statement Condemns in Strongest Terms 2 June Terrorist Bombing That Killed Lebanese Journalist
Says Samir Qassir Symbol of Political Independence, Freedom; Assassination Pernicious Effort to Undermine Security, Stability
NEW YORK, 7 June (UN Headquarters) -- The Security Council this afternoon condemned in the strongest terms the 2 June terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed Samir Qassir, a Lebanese journalist who was a symbol of political independence and freedom.
In a statement read by Council President Jean-Marc de La Sablière (France), the Council, while welcoming the determination of the Lebanese Government to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the assassination, determined that that assassination, like others before it, constituted a pernicious effort to undermine security, stability, sovereignty, political independence and efforts aimed at preserving civil accord in the country.
In its presidential statement (S/PRST/2005/22), the Council called upon all parties to show restraint and a sense of responsibility with a view to the successful completion of the electoral process and government formation in the country.
Presidential Statement
The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2005/22 reads, as follows:
“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the 2 June terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed a Lebanese journalist, Samir Qassir, who was a symbol of political independence and freedom, and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim and to the people of Lebanon.
“The Security Council welcomes the determination and commitment of the Government of Lebanon to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of this assassination, and determines that this assassination, like others before it, constitutes a pernicious effort to undermine security, stability, sovereignty, political independence and efforts aimed at preserving civil accord in the country.
“The Security Council expresses its concern about the destabilizing impact of political assassinations and other terrorist acts in Lebanon, and warns that the sponsors of recent terrorist acts against political leaders and leading members of civil society in Lebanon should not be permitted to jeopardize the holding of parliamentary elections in transparent, free and democratic conditions.
“The Security Council calls upon all parties to show restraint and a sense of responsibility with a view to the successful completion of the electoral process and government formation in the country.
“The Security Council reaffirms its resolution 1559, and reiterates its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon. The Security Council urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1566 (2004), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.”
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