Pierre Gemayel, outspoken cabinet minister in Lebanon, assassinated in Beirut

As an advocate for a free and democratic Lebanon Pierre Gemayel often spoke out against Syria’s attempted influence in his country. Gemayel was among many in Lebanon who felt that Syria had a hand in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

Gemayel met the same fate as the former prime minister earlier today. Gemayel was gunned down earlier today while passing through the Christian suburb of Jdeideh in Beirut. Ironically Gemayel was among the most vocal Christian leaders in Lebanon.

Despite Syria denying any involvement and strongly condemning the murder many Lebanese aren’t convince. Saad Hariri, son of the slain Rafik Hariri, and leader of the anti-Syrian parliamentary majority, expressed his assurance that Syria was involved,

“Today one of our main believers in a free democratic Lebanon has been killed. We believe the hand of Syria is all over (this).”

Gemayel opposed the pro-Syrian Muslim Shiite party Hezbollah. Hezbollah has accused Lebanon’s Prime Minister Fouad Siniora of running a government allied with the Unitred States. They have threatened to take over the government if a national unity cabinet is not formed.
 
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