For immediate release and posting 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman



Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

Assassination of Lebanese Parliamentarian Antoine Ghanem 

I was saddened to learn hours ago of the murder of Antoine Ghanem and at least four others in an act of terrorism. The thoughts and prayers of America are with the Ghanem family, with those who lost a loved one, and with the Lebanese people.

The bombing that claimed these lives was another act in a campaign of terror by those who want to turn back the clock on Lebanon's hard won democratic gains. Enemies of peace and freedom want to gain through violence, threat, and intimidation what they cannot win in free and fair elections.

The world should speak with one voice in calling for an end to violence in Lebanon intended to subvert democratic processes in that country. Lebanese elections, scheduled to begin in just days, must proceed, in accordance with the Constitution, without threats of foreign interference and the violence that accompanies such obstruction. We stand with the Lebanese patriots who want these elections to take place on time in a free and fair manner.

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