Condemnations pour in from across region and beyond
The assassination on Wednesday of Brigadier General Francois Hajj drew a chorus of condemnation from around the world on Wednesday, as well as calls for the swift election of a new president in Lebanon.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon “strongly condemns this act of violence and terror on the Lebanese Armed Forces, a symbol of Lebanon”s sovereignty,” his press office said in a statement. “It is imperative that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.”
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner strongly condemned the “cowardly” attack, saying it “is part of an obvious attempt to destabilize” Lebanon.
Kouchner said the “only response” should be “for all Lebanese political leaders to show responsibility by proceeding with the election of without delay a new president.”
He urged the “entire international community to exercise the greatest possible influence” to help the country do so.
The European Union affirmed Wednesday that it would continue to support Lebanon”s democracy and sovereignty, despite the “contemptible” attack.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the assassination,” EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said in a statement.
“This was a contemptible act that puts an even greater pressure on Lebanon”s delicate situation,” EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement.
“The European Commission condemns unreservedly that act which should by no means obstruct the process of electing the new president,” she said. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed condolences to the victims of the attack. “We send our profound condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a quick recovery,” he said in a statement.
“Today”s assassination … is an assassination against all Lebanese,” it added. “The German government will continue to stand up for the political murders in Lebanon to be cleared up and the culprits to be punished.”
“The political crisis in Lebanon can only be solved by dialogue and with respect for democratic principles,” it added.
Spain”s Foreign Ministry strongly condemning the attack. “The Spanish government energetically condemns this brutal terrorist attack,” it said, expressing Madrid”s “solidarity and support for the government and people of Lebanon.”
The United States also strongly denounced the attack. “We strongly condemn the assassination,” said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council. “This is a crucial time as Lebanon seeks to maintain a democratically elected government and select a new president.” He said President George W. Bush would “continue to stand with the Lebanese people as they counter those who attempt to undermine their security and freedom.”
Arab League chief Amr Moussa “vigorously condemned the terrorist,” bombing Egypt”s official Middle East News Agency reported. Moussa appealed to “Lebanese political parties to head for an agreement on naming a new president of the republic as quickly as possible.”
He also expressed confidence that “today”s events won”t have a negative influence on efforts aimed at finding a solution” to the presidential crisis.
Jordan”s King Abdullah II sent a cable of condolences to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, saying the “criminal act targeted efforts to achieve national conciliation in Lebanon.”