Statement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton on Lebanon on the Third Anniversary of the Assassination of Former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri
“Three years have passed since the brutal assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a leader who devoted his life to building a stable, democratic and independent Lebanon. Hariri’s vision of a free Lebanon was embodied in the Cedar Revolution of 2005, when more than a million Lebanese citizens captured the world’s attention by taking to the streets to demand an end to Syria’s occupation of their country.
Tragically, in the years since, Lebanon’s people have faced constant efforts to intimidate them and undermine their commitment to freedom, stability, and consensus. Lebanon’s political life has now been paralyzed by determined Syrian efforts to deny Lebanon the ability to determine its own affairs. Assassinations continue to target government ministers, parliamentarians, security officials and brave opinion leaders who dare to speak out. Meanwhile, Iran provides Hizbullah with the financial support and weaponry to attack Israel. Hizbullah’s 2006 war shattered the sense of hope among the Lebanese people, nearly destroyed Lebanon”s infrastructure, and cost so many lives.
The United States and the international community have a strong interest and a moral responsibility to hold Syria and Iran accountable for their defiance of United Nation resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701. And the Special Tribunal for Lebanon created by resolution 1757 should be established as soon as possible and its independence maintained. The Special Tribunal is critical for ending years of intimidation and assassinations and bringing to justice the killers of former Prime Minister Hariri and all those who died struggling for Lebanese sovereignty and democracy.
The United States should always stand with the Lebanese people. If I am elected President, I will work with those who recognize the sovereignty of Lebanon and support its elected government. And I will work just as hard to change the attitudes and actions of those who seek opposite ends.
Lebanese-Americans are a proud and successful community with deep roots in this country. As Americans, we stand together in support of an independent, sovereign and stable Lebanon, a vision for which former Prime Minister Hariri gave his life.”