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The President Meets with Prime Minister Hariri on Stability and Justice in Lebanon

Summary: 
The President meets with Prime Minister Hariri of Lebanon amidst efforts by the Hizballah-led coalition to collapse the Lebanese government.
President Obama Meets with Prime Minister Hariri of Lebanon

President Barack Obama meets with Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon in the Oval Office, January 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This morning the President met with Prime Minister Hariri of Lebanon, the official readout is below:

President Obama met today with Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon.  The President commended the Prime Minister for his steadfast leadership and efforts to reach peace, stability, and consensus in Lebanon under difficult circumstances.  The efforts by the Hizballah-led coalition to collapse the Lebanese government only demonstrate their own fear and determination to block the government’s ability to conduct its business and advance the aspirations of all of the Lebanese people. The President and Prime Minister reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, implementing all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, and continuing a wide-ranging and long-term partnership between the United States and Lebanon.
 
During their meeting, the President stressed the importance of the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon as a means to help end the era of political assassinations with impunity in Lebanon.  The President and Prime Minister specifically discussed united efforts with France, Saudi Arabia, and other key international and regional actors to maintain calm in Lebanon and ensure that the work of the Tribunal continues unimpeded by third parties.  The President and Prime Minister expressed their determination to achieve both stability and justice in Lebanon during this challenging period of government volatility, and agreed that all parties should avoid threats or actions that could cause instability.