Obama Welcomes STL Indictment, Says Its An Important Step Towards Ending Impunity Era

Local Editor

President Barack Obama said Monday he welcomes the first indictment in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Obama called the indictment in by a U.N. tribunal in Lebanon "an important step toward ending the era of impunity for murder in Lebanon and achieving justice for its people."
He called on all Lebanese leaders and factions to preserve calm and exercise restraint.
The US president said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon must now be allowed to continue its work without interference and coercion.

"Any attempt to fuel tensions and instability, in Lebanon or in the region, will only undermine the very freedom and aspirations that the Lebanese people seek and that so many nations support," Obama added.

He further assured that the United States is a close friend to Lebanon, and that it stands with other nations in support of Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and stability.