Death of Rafik Hariri

Death of Former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC February 14, 2005

The United States expresses its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and to the others who were killed and wounded in the brutal terrorist attack in Beirut today. We state our unequivocal condemnation of this act of terrorism. We call on all parties to maintain calm and avoid further violence.

Prime Minister Hariri was a statesman who was committed to the restoration and renewal of Lebanon after the ravages of that country’s tragic civil war. His vision of a prosperous Lebanon, living in peace with its neighbors, sent a powerful message of hope to the people of Lebanon and the region.

In its Resolution 1566, the United Nations condemned “in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism” and called upon States “to cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.”

All of those responsible for this terrible crime must be brought to justice immediately. The United States, together with the international community, will follow closely to ensure that this happens.

In its Resolution 1559, the United Nations Security Council called for “all parties concerned to cooperate fully and urgently” in “the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon.” It called for the Government of Lebanon to extend its control over all Lebanese territory.

The United States takes this opportunity to once again call for the immediate implementation of Resolution 1559, including the withdrawal of all Syrian forces, the disbanding and disarmament of all militias, and an end to foreign interference in the political independence of Lebanon. The Lebanese people must be free to exercise their political choices without intimidation or the threat of violence. 2005/187 Released on February 14, 2005