Washington to Increase The Hariri Tribunal Funding
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michele Sison on Friday said Washington is committed to UNSCRs 1559 and 1701 in addition to backing Lebanon.
Sison made the remark to reporters after meeting Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the killing of his father, ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
"I came here this afternoon to pass a message of sincere condolences to the leader of the parliamentary majority Sheik Saad Hariri," Sison said.
"Tomorrow, February 14th, is the 4th anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. We have seen that the forces of democracy here in Lebanon were undeterred by this brutal act, and today they have bravely continued their fight for a sovereign, independent and free Lebanon," she added.
Sison said "Our new President Barack Obama and our new Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have offered strong messages of support in public statements this week, declaring that this sacrifice will not be in vain. The United States will continue to support Lebanon”s sovereignty and independence.
"It will continue to support the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, including our intention to increase funding for the Tribunal. The United States also remains committed to the United Nations Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701. So tomorrow on February 14th, the American people stand with the people of Lebanon, marking this day of sorrow and underscoring our firm commitment to support Lebanon and those voices of peace and moderation."