WASHINGTON - Syria's embassy in Washington Tuesday rejected blame for the killing of Lebanese cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel, branding claims it was involved were a "charade" meant to tar its reputation.
An embassy statement claimed the killing was directly motivated by groups in Beirut with anti-Syrian agendas.
"The Embassy of Syria in Washington strongly condemns this heinous terrorist act and extends its condolences and prayers to the family of the deceased," said the statement.
"Unfortunately, this awful act surfaces as yet another proof indicating that every time the political forces in Lebanon, with anti-Syrian agendas, are weakened, a trigger is pulled to re-inflame and instigate the streets against Syria.
"This charade of blaming Syria for every malicious event in Lebanon has been exposed a long time ago and is, simply, losing all credibility," the embassy statement said.
