PES condemns seizure and detention of French Socialist by Hezbollah
28 April 2008
The seizure and detention by Hezbollah of Karim Pakzad, a member of the International department of the French Parti Socialiste, was strongly condemned by the Secretary General of the Party of European Socialists, Philip Cordery.
Karim Pakzad was seized by Hezbollah on Saturday 26 April and held for over five hours in a dark cell in the suburbs of Beirut.
He was abducted in South Beirut by armed men linked to Hezbollah after attending the Socialist International Mediterranean committee meeting in Beirut on 25-26 April.
“I strongly condemn the abduction of Karim Pakzad” said Philip Cordery. “It shows once again that Hezbollah is working against the establishment of the rule of law in Lebanon. A free, independent and sovereign Lebanon requires the disarmament of all armed groups. Only the police and army should control of the streets of Lebanon.
He also expressed regret at the detention of a member of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) who was showing Mr Pakzad around the city.
Philip Cordery took part in the Socialist International Mediterranean committee meeting in Beirut, and took part in meetings with PSP Leader Walid Jumblatt, , Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry and Maronite Patriarch Sfeir.
