Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent assassination of the former Prime Minister of the Lebanon, Mr. Rafiq Hariri; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7628/05]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position and views on the recent assassination of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr. Rafik Hariri; his views on the impact this is likely to have on the Middle East and the delicate negotiations between Palestine and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7712/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 152 together.

Both the Taoiseach and I have expressed our shock at the murder of former Prime Minister Hariri, and condemned the appalling attack which took his life and those of so many other people. Mr. Hariri was Prime Minister of Lebanon for a total period of ten years. He played a critical role in bringing Lebanon forward from the era of the protracted civil war and was especially active in the reconstruction of the Lebanese economy. The reaction to his murder of ordinary Lebanese from across community divides bears eloquent testimony to the high regard in which he was held.

Investigations are continuing to determine responsibility for the attack. The UN investigation is being led by Garda Deputy Commissioner Peter FitzGerald. The Government was very pleased to be in a position to assist the Secretary General in undertaking this investigation and we wish Deputy Commissioner FitzGerald every success in addressing the challenges ahead of him and bringing the investigation to a satisfactory conclusion.

It is quite clear that the murder of the former prime minister has the potential to be a very destabilising influence in Lebanese politics. While the public response has been remarkable and may lead to profound changes in Lebanon in the immediate future, we must welcome the fact that protests have been peaceful and that restraint has prevailed upon all sides. It is to be hoped that this will continue to be the case and we call on all Lebanese political leaders to unite in determination to ensure that violence has no place in Lebanese politics.

Obviously developments in Lebanon may have an effect on the political processes under way in the wider region. In the current climate of uncertainty, it would be premature to speculate as to how the situation in Lebanon will ultimately resolve itself. What is clear, however, is that an independent, stable and prosperous Lebanon would be a positive development for the entire region. The Government wishes to see UN Security Council Resolution 1559 implemented in full, including withdrawal of all remaining foreign forces from Lebanon.