Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5569th meeting, 21 Nov. 2006, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East"]

Unequivocally condemns the assassination in Beirut on 21 Nov. 2006 of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel, a patriot who was a symbol of freedom and of the political independence of Lebanon; condemns any attempt to destabilize Lebanon through political assassination or other terrorist acts; calls upon all parties in Lebanon and the region to show restraint and a sense of responsibility with a view to preventing any further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon; urges all States, in accordance with its resolutions 1373 (2001), 1566 (2004) and 1624 (2005), to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism; welcomes 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.

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