Socialist International condemns assassination of Lebanese parliamentarian

The Socialist International condemns in no uncertain terms the assassination of Walid Eido, Lebanese parliamentarian and strong advocate for a sovereign and democratic Lebanon.

Eido is the third member of Lebanon's pro-democracy majority in the parliament to be killed in a bombing in the past two years and the International deplores these concerted and continuing attacks clearly designed to divide the country and undermine the hopes of the Lebanese people for peace and stability.

The International fully supports the United Nations Security Council resolution, which came into effect this week, to establish an international tribunal to hold accountable those responsible for the killing of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in a car bombing in Beirut in February 2005. This is a crucial step in strengthening the democratic rule of law and turning back those who rely solely on violence to achieve their anti-democratic political ends.

The International reaffirms its full solidarity with the people of Lebanon and urges that they stand together in the face of such horrendous acts to ensure that those responsible do not succeed in their awful schemes. At the same time, it reiterates its firm support for all democratic forces in the country, including its member party, the Progressive Socialist Party, PSP, led by Walid Jumblatt, in their continuing work to deepen democracy, ensure national sovereignty and strengthen the process of rebuilding in the country.

The Socialist International expresses its deepest sympathies to the Eido family in their time of mourning, for in this terrible attack they lost not only Walid Eido but also one of his sons, as well as to the families of the other victims who lost their lives or were injured in this heinous act.

The situation in Lebanon continues to be of primary concern to the Socialist International and is high on the agenda of its forthcoming Council meeting to take place in Geneva on 29-30 June.

13 June 2007