Rafik Hariri did not come to Lebanese leadership by family reputation or privelege. Quite the contrary is was a poor Sunni Muslim from Sidon. As a young man he became a teacher. He eventually found his way into the construction business as a laborer. He learned the trade in Saudi Arabia eventually putting together his own company called, Saudi Oger. He eventually became the private contractor to Prince Fahd. It was this opportunity that allowed him to return to Lebanon now ready to 'literally' rebuild Beirut.
In 2000, he was believed to be worth approximately $2 billion including a vast media interest.
Rafik Hariri took an interest in Lebanese politics and became a frequent voice for the people of Lebanon criticizing the government for the poor status of the people there.
I will let Rafik Hariri speak for himself below. But, before I do that I would like to propose an idea. Rafik Hariri was a prominant Sunni Muslim. I believe this attack may have been engineered by those who would lead the area into believing this was an act of the Shia Crescent. I don't believe that is true. A Shia Cresent has never before manifested in violence. I personally would not be surprised if this was engineered by those that are ambitious in The West who want suspicions to fall on the new Shi'ite government leadership in Iraq. I beseach the world to be careful how they blame those responsible. These are militants or henchmen, but, either way it should not lead to direct 'indictment' of the new Iraqi government. The Grand Ayatollah al Sistani's coalition leadership had attempted murder attempts on them and in no way do I believe that coalition is capable of this level of violence. The Grand Ayatollah al Sistani has always been and continues to be a man of peace.
Thank you.
My deepest sympathies to the people of Lebanon.
His Excellency Rafik HaririPrime Minister of Lebanon
"On the Reconstruction of Lebanon: Achievements and Impediments"
Lebanon is a country deeply rooted in the principles of democracy, human rights, and free enterprise. The Constitution of Lebanon guarantees democratic and economic liberty for the Lebanese people. We are committed to national unity and an effective government, combining security and prosperity. The Lebanese people are living testimony to the fact that there can be no military solution to conflicts. Today, after the events of last April, this testimony has become obvious to all concerned. The solution can only be political, and one that the international community can support - and later on, reconstruction and modernization efforts. The Lebanese are committed to the peace process based on the principles of the Madrid Conference. We have every interest that a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace takes hold in the Middle East. Seventeen years of war and turmoil have had a major impact on the Lebanese economy and society. The impact on social conditions and human resources was equally grave. However, Lebanon throughout her history, and even during her darkest days, never wavered from her long tradition of a democratic political system and open exchange and trade regime.
