    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [February 14, 2007]
    [Pages 145-146]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Second Anniversary of the Death of Prime Minister Rafiq
    Hariri of Lebanon
    February 14, 2007

        On the second anniversary of the assassination of former Prime
    Minister Rafiq Hariri, the United States reaffirms its support for a
    free and democratic Lebanon that is able to chart its own course. The
    United States joins the Lebanese people in demanding the truth behind
    Prime Minister Hariri's murder and calling for the establishment of a
    special tribunal for Lebanon to bring to justice those who murdered
    Rafiq Hariri and others who stood for Lebanese sovereignty and
    independence.
        Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of yesterday's bus
    bombings outsideBeirut. The evil perpetrators of these attacks will not
    silence the Lebanese people's demands for justice and democracy in an
    independent Lebanon.
        The Lebanese people's greatest tribute to Rafiq Hariri, Minister
    Basil Fuleihan, and others who gave their lives for a free Lebanon would
    be to come together across sectarian divides to build the free, stable,
    and prosperous Lebanon that Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri dedicated his
    life to create.

    [[Page 146]]