Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the assassination of the former President of the Council of Ministers Rafic Hariri of Lebanon by terrorist bombings

February 15, 2005

The Government of Japan condemns the assassination of the former President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Rafic Hariri by the terrorist bombings that occurred in Beirut on February 14. Mr. Hariri visited Japan four times while he was in office and contributed greatly to the strengthening of the bilateral relations between Japan and Lebanon. I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and heartfelt sympathies to the injured. Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason. Japan renews its firm condemnation against such terrorist attack.

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