“The Norwegian Government condemns the assassination of Lebanon’s Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel. We are very concerned about what might happen next in such a tense situation,” said State Secretary Raymond Johansen.

Mr Gemayel was elected to the Lebanese parliament in 2000 for the Kataeb Social Democratic Party, also known as the Phalange Party. This is a Maronite Christian party that is opposed to Syrian influence in Lebanon.

“This murder was intended to destabilise Lebanon. Now the international community must call for calm and support all attempts to stabilise the situation in the region,” said Mr Johansen.

There is a great risk that the assassination will increase political tension in Lebanon.

“The Norwegian Government will follow the situation very closely in hours and days ahead,” said Mr Johansen.