BRUSSELS, Feb. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- European Commissioner on external relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner condemned on Wednesday the terrorist killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

    "The cruel bomb attack which caused the death of Mr Rafik Hariri,... was a contemptible act that the European Commission condemns unreservedly," said Ferrero-Waldner in a written statement on the funeral of Hariri.

    "On behalf of the European Commission,I wish to express my most sincere condolence and offer my deepest sympathy to the families of Mr Hariri and of the other victims," she said.

    Ferrero-Waldner praised Hariri for his "relentless efforts" to help direct Lebanon on its journey towards "reconciliation and reform."

    "Violence has no place in a democracy and must not be allowed to obstruct it," she said.

    The commissioner called for a free and fair legislative elections in Lebanon this spring.

    "There can be no greater tribute to the memory of Mr Hariri than the holding of free and fair legislative elections in Lebanon this spring, under the sovereign control of the Lebanese authorities," she added. Enditem