Washington

 WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Lebanon's sovereignty and independence even as Hizbullah ministers forced Hariri's year-old unity government to collapse.

The Lebanese leader made no public comment after the Oval Office visit and immediately left for France to consult with French President Nicolas Sarkozy before returning to Beirut, according to a Lebanese official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic moves.

A White House statement issued afterward said Obama had commended Hariri for his "steadfast leadership and efforts to reach peace, stability and consensus in Lebanon under difficult circumstances."

"The efforts by the Hezbollah-led coalition to collapse the Lebanese government only demonstrate their own fear and determination to block the government's ability to conduct its business and advance the aspirations of all of the Lebanese people," the statement said.
The Lebanese official said Hariri was pleased with Obama's expressions of support.

Lebanon's year-old unity government collapsed Wednesday after Hezbollah ministers and their allies resigned over tensions stemming from a UN-backed tribunal investigating the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, father of the current prime minister.

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and Syria, has denounced the tribunal, which is widely expected to name members of Hezbollah in coming indictments. Many fear that implicating Hezbollah could set off sectarian tensions that have plagued the tiny Middle Eastern country for decades.

During Obama's meeting with Hariri, the White House said, the president also stressed the importance of the tribunal's work as a "means to help end the era of political assassinations with impunity in Lebanon." He and Hariri discussed efforts with France, Saudi Arabia and other international and regional partners to maintain calm and ensure that the tribunal's work continues without third-party interference.

They also agreed that all involved parties should avoid threats or actions that could cause instability.