PES appalled by Gemayel assassination
22 November 2006
The Presidency of the Party of European Socialists - meeting today in Brussels under the leadership of PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and bringing together senior representatives of Europe’s socialist, social democratic and labour parties - adopted a resolution condemning the assassination of Lebanese Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel.
The resolution states: “Everyone who cares about Lebanon is appalled by this latest tragic killing.
The Party of European Socialists condemns this blatant attempt to destabilize an already very fragile Lebanon at the very moment that peace has a chance. It is beyond belief that anyone would want to do this given the terrible history of civil war in the country.
The PES firmly condemns the use of violence for political means at a moment of intense discussion regarding reshuffle of the Lebanese government.
The PES calls on all progressive people to support the efforts of the Lebanese Government to rebuild the country as a free and independent state.
The PES encourages the European Union and its member states to continue to assist the Lebanese Government with every possible political, financial and technical means.
The PES strongly supports the role of the UNIFIL to guarantee peace in the region and to strengthen the Lebanese government.
The PES calls the international community not to be diverted from supporting the Lebanese Government in its bid for an International Court on the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
The Party of European Socialists reaffirms its solidarity with all people continuously mobilised for a democratic and sovereign Lebanon.”
PES Presidency Declaration on the assassination of Lebanese Minister of Industry Pierre Gemayel 
, 21 November 2006
