UNESCO Condemns Killing of Lebanese Journalist

Local Editor

Head of the UN Agency for upholding press freedom expressed full concern and condemnation Thursday over the death of Assaf Abu Rahhal, Lebanese journalist who was shot by the "Israeli" enemy during clashes with the Lebanese army, Ma'an news agency reported.

Irina Bokova, director-general of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, said in a statement quoted by the UN News Centre, "I am deeply concerned about the circumstances in which Assaf Abu Rahal was killed and his colleague Ali Shoaib injured".

"I call on all parties involved to make every effort to shed light on the causes of this tragic incident, and to make sure it does not happen again by showing more restraint", Irina added.

The UN official also stressed, "I would further underline that freedom of expression, a fundamental human right, implies the possibility of exercising this right in safety. Armed forces are obligated to respect it".

Assaf Abu Rahhal is a Lebanese journalist who worked for Al Akhbar Lebanese newspaper. He happened to be at the site of clashes between the "Israelis" and Lebanese army, after an "Israeli" attempt to cut off trees on the Lebanese borders.