Annan condemns killing of prominent Lebanese journalist

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has strongly condemned the killing of an outspoken Lebanese journalist whose car blew up in Beirut earlier today.

In a statement released by a UN spokesman in New York, the Secretary-General condemned the killing of Samir Kassir, a prominent Lebanese journalist – and one other person – in Beirut today. He also expressed his condolences to the families of both victims.

“The Secretary-General calls on the Lebanese Government to bring to justice the perpetrators and the instigators of today's terrible crime and to ensure an end to impunity and the continuation of press freedom,” said the statement, which adds that Mr. Annan urges all parties to preserve national unity and calm during this important electoral period.