WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)– The government crisis in Lebanon, prompted by Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the government coalition, continues to draw commentary from member of Congress. Here is a roundup of comments issued to the media:
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Rep. Dan Burton (R-Indiana): “I am deeply dismayed by the decision of Hezbollah to withdraw its cabinet ministers from the coalition government of Prime Minister Sa’ad Hariri in a deliberate and calculated effort to plunge Lebanon into political turmoil. Hezbollah’s actions are a disservice to the Lebanese people but more seriously a direct challenge to the United Nation’s credibility. Ever since it became apparent that the UN investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, was going to implicate Hezbollah, Hezbollah and its Iranian-handlers have done everything in their power to obstruct justice and discredit the UN Tribunal in the eyes of the Lebanese people. We cannot let them succeed. The United States must stand firmly behind Prime Minister Hariri and the Lebanese people.”
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Rep. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut): “By walking out of the governing coalition today (Wednesday), Hizbollah and its allies unveiled their determination to hold the Lebanese unity government hostage to their own parochial interests. The Lebanese people shouldn’t have to choose between justice and stability – they deserve both. The work of the Special Tribunal must be allowed to continue without interference from any outside party, and the individuals responsible must be held accountable without threats of violence from any side. I join President Obama in reaffirming the United States’ commitment to our partnership with Lebanon, and strongly support Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s determined effort to protect Lebanese sovereignty and promote peace and stability in his country.”
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Preceding rounded up by Public Policy Matters