Secretary-General

SG/SM/10259


Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York


SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF GIBRAN TUENI,

ADVOCATE OF SOVEREIGN LEBANON , FREE PRESS

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

The Secretary-General was shocked and dismayed to learn of the assassination of Gibran Tueni, a tireless advocate of a sovereign Lebanon and free press.  This tragic assassination is today the latest in a vicious campaign against Lebanese citizens, journalists, political leaders and their right to freedom of expression. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this cold-blooded murder and extends his deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and injured.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the full implementation of Security Council resolution .  The perpetrators and instigators of today’s and other attacks must be brought to justice to ensure an end to impunity.

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For information media • not an official record