The White House - Office of Press Secretary
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
The President was shocked and angered to learn of the terrorist attack in Beirut today that murdered former Prime Minister Hariri and killed and injured several others. Mr. Hariri was a fervent supporter of Lebanese independence, and worked tirelessly to rebuild a free, independent, and prosperous Lebanon following its brutal civil war and despite its continued foreign occupation. His murder is an attempt to stifle these efforts to build an independent, sovereign Lebanon free of foreign domination. The people of Lebanon deserve the freedom to choose their leaders free of intimidation, terror, and foreign occupation, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1559. The United States will consult with other governments in the region and on the Security Council today about measures that can be taken to punish those responsible for this terrorist attack, to end the use of violence and intimidation against the Lebanese people, and to restore Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, and democracy by freeing it from foreign occupation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AND POSTING
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release February 14, 2005
2005/187
Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Death of Former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri
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.