ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF

UNCLAS ROME 004047

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA, EUR/WE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER LE SY IT UN
SUBJECT: ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF
GEBRAN TUENI

REF: STATE 223709


1. (U) Post delivered reftel statements to the MFA and Prime
Minister's office on December 13. Foreign Minister Fini had
already issued a statement condemning the assassination on
December 12. Embassy translation of Fini's statement is
provided below.


2. Begin text.

Italy strongly condemns and reproves the attack in Beirut
that cost the life of Gebran Tueni, whom we remember for the
courage in which he always supported the idea of a sovereign
and independent Lebanon.

There must be end an to terrorist violence, which in all its
horror returned to strike a symbol of liberty right at a time
when Lebanese democracy is proceeding with great courage
towards full sovereignty.

Italy stands beside the Government and people of Lebanon in
this most recent painful moment and will not fail to give its
own firm support to the initiatives taken to bring clarity on
the causes and modalities of the attack.

End text.
SPOGLI