WASHINGTON ( AP ) _ President Barack Obama says he welcomes the first indictment in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri . In a statement Monday , Obama called the indictment in by a U . N . tribunal in Lebanon an important step toward ending the era of impunity for murder in Lebanon and achieving justice for its people . He called on all Lebanese leaders and factions to preserve calm and exercise restraint . The president said the Special Tribunal for Lebanon must now be allowed to continue its work without interference and coercion . He said , `` Any attempt to fuel tensions and instability , in Lebanon or in the region , will only undermine the very freedom and aspirations that the Lebanese people seek and that so many nations support . ''