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Statement on the Death of Rafiq Hariri

Posted on Tuesday February 15, 2005

On the tragic passing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Al Hariri, the Arab American Institute extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Hariri family and to the entire Lebanese people. Hariri’s three terms as Prime Minister, which spanned over a decade, were characterized by his steadfast determination to rebuild the country following its devastating war. He was a giant and a visionary whose accomplishments reflected both qualities—they were enormous in size and far-reaching in consequence.

Hariri viewed the country’s reconstruction as the key to post-war reconciliation and was unwavering in his efforts to build a prosperous, modernized country beginning with a revitalized Beirut. His dedication to this cause earned him worldwide respect and admiration. The Lebanese people have suffered a great loss, but Hariri’s legacy will live on in the flourishing, invigorated country he helped to build.