Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5800th meeting, 12 Dec. 2007, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East"]

GEN

Condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Baabda on 12 December 2007 which killed General Francois el-Hajj of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and killed and injured several other persons; expresses its strong condemnation of this attempt to destabilize Lebanese institutions, in this particular case the Lebanese Armed Forces; 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; 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; recalls its support for the Secretary-General's efforts for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in a timely manner; 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.

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