Statement on the Assassination of Lebanese MP Antoine Ghanem

In response to press inquiries today, the following statement was released by Councilman John Akouri, an American of Lebanese Christian descent, on today's brutal murder of Lebanese MP Antoine Ghanem.

"We see today yet another attempt by the Syrian regime and its divine agents in Lebanon to destabilize and destroy any hope for the future of Lebanon and its people. The morning scenes coming out of Beirut have become all too familiar, not only for the people of Lebanon, but for the world. Assassins may kill those democratically elected and in staunch opposition to the Syrian agenda and return of its hegemony over Lebanon, but they cannot assassinate the will and spirit of the Lebanese people to live in a truly free, independent and sovereign Lebanon. My prayers go out to the wife and family of MP Antoine Ghanem"

Councilman John Akouri
Fmr. Capitol Hill Senior Advisor & Press Secretary to US Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)