For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 21, 2005
Joint Statement by President Bush and President Chirac on Lebanon
The United States and France join with the European Union and the
international community in condemning the assassination of former
Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and in their support for a free,
independent, and democratic Lebanon. We support the U.N. investigation
into this terrorist act and urge the full cooperation of all parties in
order to identify those responsible for this act.
We urge full and immediate implementation of UNSCR 1559 in all its
aspects, including its call for a sovereign, independent, and
democratic Lebanon as well as for the consolidation of security under
the authority of a Lebanese government free from foreign domination.
Lebanon's forthcoming parliamentary elections can mark another
milestone in Lebanon's return to independence and democracy if they are
free and fair, conducted without outside interference, and guaranteed
by international observers. The implementation of UNSCR 1559 is
essential to the organization and success of these elections. The
people of Lebanon deserve this opportunity, and we stand with them in
their aspirations for freedom, sovereignty, and security.
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