President Obama spoke with Prime Minister Hariri on the morning of February 12, 2010. The President expressed his strong support, and that of the American people, for the Prime Minister and the Lebanese people as they mark the upcoming anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. The President said the American people admire and appreciate the Prime Minister’s commitment to carrying on his father’s work. The President and Prime Minister agreed on the importance of supporting the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to bring those responsible for this terrible crime to justice.
The President emphasized the United States’ continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence and said he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Hariri to advance peace and opportunity in the region. President Obama and Prime Minister Hariri also discussed bilateral issues on which the United States and Lebanon are cooperating, including U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The President said the United States remains committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701, and affirmed that the United States looks forward to working with Lebanon as a partner on the United Nations Security Council for the next two years. The President said he looks forward to meeting with Prime Minister Hariri.