This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ROME 004047 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR NEA, EUR/WE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER LE SY IT UN
SUBJECT: ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION OF 
GEBRAN TUENI 
 
REF: STATE 223709 
 
¶1. (U) Post delivered reftel statements to the MFA and Prime 
Minister's office on December 13.  Foreign Minister Fini had 
already issued a statement condemning the assassination on 
December 12.  Embassy translation of Fini's statement is 
provided below. 
 
¶2. Begin text. 
 
Italy strongly condemns and reproves the attack in Beirut 
that cost the life of Gebran Tueni, whom we remember for the 
courage in which he always supported the idea of a sovereign 
and independent Lebanon. 
 
There must be end an to terrorist violence, which in all its 
horror returned to strike a symbol of liberty right at a time 
when Lebanese democracy is proceeding with great courage 
towards full sovereignty. 
 
Italy stands beside the Government and people of Lebanon in 
this most recent painful moment and will not fail to give its 
own firm support to the initiatives taken to bring clarity on 
the causes and modalities of the attack. 
 
End text. 
SPOGLI