    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [February 14, 2006]
    [Page 238]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Anniversary of the Death of Former Prime Minister Rafiq
    Hariri of Lebanon
    February 14, 2006

        One year ago today, former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri was
    assassinated. Mr. Hariri was a great Lebanese patriot who worked to
    rebuild a free, independent, and prosperous Lebanon after years of
    brutal civil war. Our thoughts are with the people of Lebanon as they
    mark this anniversary.
        Lebanon has continued to make progress in the year since Mr.
    Hariri's murder, thanks to the foundation of freedom he laid and the
    determination of the Lebanese people. Lebanon has conducted a free and
    fair parliamentary election and begun economic reforms. Great challenges
    remain, and the United States will continue to stand with the people of
    Lebanon as they strive to build a free and democratic future.