Obama Looks Forward to Working with a Lebanese Cabinet that Promotes Regional Stability
U.S. President Barack Obama expressed hope on Friday that Lebanon”s factions would finally form a new cabinet as he marked the 26th anniversary of what he called the "senseless" Beirut bombing of a U.S. Marine barracks.
"We remember today the 241 American Marines, soldiers, and sailors who lost their lives 26 years ago as the result of a horrific terrorist attack that destroyed the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon," Obama said.
"The murder of our soldiers, sailors, and Marines on this day on 1983 remains a senseless tragedy," Obama said in a statement.
While remembering the victims of the bombing, their families and all U.S. service personnel abroad, Obama also looked to the future in Lebanon, where a political crisis has prevented cabinet formation since the parliamentary elections in June.
"In remembering this terrible day of loss, we are at the same time hopeful that a new government in Lebanon will soon be formed," Obama said.
"We look forward to working with a Lebanese government that works actively to promote stability in the region and prosperity for its people."
The U.S. State Department also issued a statement on the anniversary of the attack on the Marine barracks.
"The Marine barracks memorial on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut reads, “They came in peace.” So too have the troops of the current U.N. peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon come in peace," the statement said.
"On this somber occasion, the United States also commends the brave men and women of that mission and of all international peacekeeping missions who work to protect civilians and prevent the outbreak of conflict," it added.