Armenian leader condemns Beirut terror attack, sends condolences

Regnum, Moscow
15 Feb 05

15 February: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has sent condolences
to Lebanese President Emile Lahhud over the killing of former prime
minister Rafik Hariri.

The press service of the Armenian president told Regnum news agency
that the message reads: “It was painful to hear about the killing
of Rafik Hariri, the former Lebanese prime minister and outstanding
political figure, who has made an invaluable contribution to the
strengthening of Lebanon’s statehood, as well as to the development
of Armenian-Lebanese relations. The terror attack, to which Hariri
fell victim, is a harsh challenge not only to Lebanon, but also to
all nations in the region. I strongly condemn this terror attack and
express deep condolences to you, to the friendly people of Lebanon and
to the relatives of Rafik Hariri on behalf of the people of Armenia
and on my own behalf.”

[Passage omitted: Armenian president expressing sympathy to Hariri’s
spouse and background of terror attack in Beirut]