Bush to Syria: Don't meddle in Lebanon
In meeting with Lebanese opposition leader Saad Hariri Thursday, US president says he is deeply worried about Syria's interference in Lebanon's presidential elections, adds he is sending American military commander to help country fight extremists
President Bush warned Syria Thursday against interfering in Lebanon's presidential election and said he is sending a top military commander to Beirut to find more ways to help Lebanon fight extremists.
"The United States strongly supports the success of democracy in Lebanon," Bush said after meeting with Saad Hariri, leader of the anti-Syrian majority in Lebanon's parliament. "The United States is more than just an admirer. We want to help as best as we possibly can."
The Lebanese parliament failed last week to elect a president because of a boycott by the Syrian-backed opposition. Lawmakers have been unsuccessful so far in efforts to reach agreement on a consensus candidate between the pro-government camp and the opposition.
"I am deeply concerned about foreign interference in your elections," Bush told Hariri, adding that many nations have called on Syria to stay out. "We expect Syria to honor that demand," he said.
American respect
The parliament put off until Oct. 23 another session on the issue of choosing a successor to President Emile Lahoud, who steps down Nov. 24. More than 15 declared or undeclared candidates are vying for the post, three of them from the pro-government camp and one from the opposition.
If the deadlock persists, some fear the country could end up with two rival governments battling for primacy, much like in the last two years of the country's 1975-1990 civil war.
The United States has provided military assistance to Siniora's government to help it fight Hizbullah and other radicals. Bush said Adm. William Fallon, commander of US forces in the Middle East, would travel to Lebanon to see what more could be done.
"We respect your country and we understand the obstacles that you face," Bush told Hariri.
Hariri: we will stay focused on our democracy
"We've had members of our parliament being killed," Hariri said, sitting at Bush's side in the Oval Office after their 45-minute meeting. "This action is taken by terrorists that want to finish our democracy. We will stay resolved, we will stay focused on our democracy. We will not let those who want to destroy our democracy succeed."
Bush said an international tribunal looking into the Hariri and other assassinations needs to move more quickly.
"That tribunal is taking too long to get started," he said. "The international community must work more quickly to stand up this tribunal so people will be held to account."
