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Letter of condolence from M. Jacques CHIRAC, President of the Republic, to Mrs. Siham TUENI following the assassination of her husband, Mr. Gebran TUENI, member of the Parliament and Director of the " AN-NAHAR " newspaper.
(Paris, 12 December 2005)
Dear Mrs Tueni,
I was extremely upset to learn of the assassination of your husband, Gebran Tueni, and his companions. It is a tragedy for Lebanon. France utterly condemns this crime which arouses horror and outrage.
Both in his duties as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the "An-Nahar” newspaper and his mandate as a member of parliament, Gebran Tueni embodied Lebanon's fight for democracy, independence and freedom. His was a voice they wanted to silence, the aim: to hinder a liberation process.
I pay tribute to the memory of Gebran Tueni and the other victims who sacrificed their lives, after so many others, in the cause of Lebanon's freedom. In these very painful circumstances, I send you my heartfelt condolences and assure you of my sympathy.
So many tragedies cannot be in vain. Lebanon is not alone. Her friends are mobilized and the international community knows its responsibilities. Gebran Tueni's death must prompt us to redouble efforts to get the Security Council resolutions fully implemented.
The French authorities are ready to provide their assistance and respond to any requests the Lebanese government may wish to make.
Rest assured that I remain on the alert and determined to attain these objectives.
(complimentary close).
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