    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 13, 2007]
    [Page 1544]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

     Statement on the Death of Brigadier General Francois El Hajj of Lebanon
     December 13, 2007

         I strongly condemn yesterday's assassination of Lebanese Brigadier
    General Francois El Hajj and extend my condolences to his family and the
    families of the innocents who were murdered alongside him.
         This assassination marks the 12th political assassination or
    attempted assassination Lebanon has suffered since October 2004. Like
    the many victims before him, General El Hajj was a supporter of
    Lebanon's independence and an opponent of Syria's interference in
    Lebanon's internal affairs. I call on the international community to
    support the Government of Lebanon in its efforts to bring to justice the
    perpetrators of these vicious attacks and to stand with the citizens of
    Lebanon who continue to struggle to safeguard their freedom,
    sovereignty, and democracy.
        This act of terrorism again reminds us of the importance of the
    international tribunal established by the U.N. Security Council earlier
    this year and of the urgency of ensuring that the tribunal is fully
    funded and capable of commencing its operations as soon as possible, to
    begin holding accountable those responsible for this systematic campaign
    of murder against Lebanon's most ardent patriots. We must work together
    to support and strengthen an independent and democratic Lebanon.
         This attack comes as Lebanon is seeking to choose a new President.
    The United States supports the efforts of the democratically elected
    Lebanese Government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain the
    sovereignty and stability of Lebanon before the Presidential elections.
    As Lebanon seeks to select a President democratically and in accordance
    with its Constitution, interference by the Syrian regime and its allies,
    aimed at intimidating the Lebanese people, must end. The people of
    Lebanon deserve the opportunity to choose their leaders in freedom and
    without fear.