Obama Backs Formation of New Cabinet as U.S. Remembers 1983 Beirut Blast
U.S. President Barack Obama stressed on Wednesday commitment to promoting Lebanon’s stability and supported the Lebanese people in their effort to form a new government as the U.S. marks 30 years since the deadly Marine barracks bombing in Beirut.
In a statement on the anniversary of the attack that left 241 Americans dead in 1983, Obama condemned the “despicable act of terrorism,” which was the deadliest single-day death toll for the U.S. Marine Corps since the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima.
“We join with the families and their loved ones in paying tribute to the fallen and in sharing our deep appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made in service to our nation. We also honor the courage and bravery of those warriors who survived the attack and spent days digging their brothers out of the rubble,” he said.
A ceremony will be held at the U.S. Embassy in Awkar and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos will speak at a memorial bordering Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Many of the 241 Americans killed on Oct. 23, 1983, were members of Camp Lejeune's 24th Marine Amphibious Unit.
A suicide truck-bomber attacked the military barracks Beirut that was home to a U.S. peacekeeping force. The bombing was blamed on Hizbullah.
Obama renewed “commitment to promoting Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and independence and to our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
“We continue to support the Lebanese people as they seek to form a government that reflects their aspirations and that will strengthen Lebanon’s ability to defend its national interests and meet its international obligations,” he said in the statement.
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