Today's Date:

Murder of Pierre Gemayel – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic

President Chirac was horrified and appalled to learn of the murder of Pierre Gemayel, Lebanese Industry Minister. In the name of France, he utterly condemns this heinous attack and expresses the hope that the murderers are prosecuted and punished.

President Chirac extends to Mr Gemayel's family his very sincere condolences. This afternoon he will telephone Mr Amin Gemayel and his wife to express to them his solidarity in this tragic ordeal.

At a time when the whole of Lebanon is suffering from this terrible tragedy, France is certain that it will increase still further the determination of the Lebanese for independence, freedom and democracy. She stands at Lebanon's side in support of the full implementation of the Security Council resolutions, particularly for the creation of an international tribunal./.