| As soon as I heard the
horrific news, I called Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir to
solicit his help, in an effort to contain any possible eruption of
violence.
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The feeling of anger expressed was directed towards the
wrong party, whereas it should have been directed towards the
perpetrators of this dreadful crime.
Yet, I understand the feelings of anger and sorrow, and I consider
Sheikh Pierre as one of my children.
I was appalled by the news and I was concerned about how to face the
problem.
The situation reminded me of the assassination of Gebran Tueni and both
Gebran and Pierre were dear to my heart.
There were many warnings of assassination attempts against politicians
but no measures were taken to protect those threatened.
Sheikh Pierre’s assassination caused my deepest concern about discord
within the Christian community.
I call on all the Lebanese people to attend the funeral tomorrow but I
will not be there personally for I fear that my presence might trigger
problems and this is exactly what the perpetrators of this crime
intended.
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I will fulfill my social duty in a more appropriate timing.
The Gemayel family and us share the same goals of safeguarding Lebanon
and its people despite the fact that we have different political
approaches to issues.
The martyrdom of Sheikh Pierre should be one of national salvation.
We should get together as opposition and ruling parties to find and
reveal the truth and not take advantage of the situation.
We should look forward to unveiling the truth for it’s the only way to
salvation.
I demand the formation of a special investigation committee with
credible and qualified investigators to look into this assassination,
for Sheikh Pierre is our martyr and the martyr of Lebanon.
The series of consecutive assassinations aims at undermining internal
stability and creating conflicts. This is why we have to act
responsibly. And this is why we need to form a government of national
unity.
The national unity government is a must regardless of the crime.
I had lunch with Dr. Geagea and we discussed rumors of bloodshed in the
Christian area. I told him that we do not seek any conflict with
anybody and that we will always, and as we have in the past, resort to
peaceful and positive attitude in dealing with issues.
The moral reference to any dispute among Christians should always be
Bkerke.
Today is not the right time to tackle conflictual political issues.
Today is the time for prayer and contemplation.
Yesterday’s crime had clear features and it was perpetrated in broad
daylight. And there is no reason why the truth behind it could not be
uncovered.
I reiterate our support for the international tribunal in the
assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.
The national unity government, the international tribunal and the
assassination of Sheikh Pierre Gemayel are three separate issues.
I praise the wisdom of president Amine Gemayel who made several appeals
for self restraint following the horrific crime.
The blood of Sheikh Pierre Gemayel can reconcile the Lebanese and I am
ready to make all efforts and to have dialogue with any party to break
the deadlock we have reached.
Within democracy there is always a solution.
Tomorrow we are partners in the funeral just as we were on March 14.
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