Annan condemns murder of communist party leader in Lebanon

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today strongly condemned the murder of George Hawi, a long-time leader of the Lebanese Communist Party, in a bomb blast in Beirut.

"The Secretary-General was appalled to learn of yet another assassination in Lebanon," said a UN spokesperson in a statement released in New York. "His sympathies and condolences are with the family of the victim and, indeed, all of the people of Lebanon."

The Secretary-General urged the Lebanese authorities to bring those responsible for today's "callous crime" to justice and to put an end to such acts of intimidation.

"He calls on all concerned parties to contribute to the unity and stability in Lebanon," the spokesperson said.