Bush gives support to Siniora

US President George W. Bush said Lebanon, as a religiously diverse country emerging from conflict, "can serve as a great example for what is possible" to other countries in the Middle East.

Speaking yesterday with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Bush said Lebanon's recent experience shows that people who are overcoming sectarian conflict can live in peace, and that "it's possible for people to put aside past histories to live together."

Bush recalled Lebanon's "great tradition" of serving "as a model of entrepreneurship and prosperity" and described its capital Beirut as "one of the great international cities. . if Lebanon is truly free and independent and democratic," Beirut will "regain her place as a center of financial and culture and the arts."

He also called for a full investigation into the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri, saying the United States will "work with the international community to see that justice is done."

Bush told the prime minister that, "the United States strongly supports a free and independent and sovereign Lebanon," and expressed support for the country's Cedar Revolution against Syria's presence. He praised the courage of the demonstrators and said he supports their desire to have a government responsive to their needs and a government that is truly free.

Siniora said the United States "has been of great support" to Lebanon, and thanked Bush particularly for supporting the United Nations Security Council resolutions that called for Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon following Hariri's murder.

"I am really convinced that President Bush and the United States will stand beside Lebanon to have Lebanon stay as a free, democratic, united, and sovereign state," Siniora said, adding that the US role "is really of great importance in this regard."

Lebanon has been going through "major changes," he said, and his government is seeking to meet the expectations of the Lebanese people "to have a united, liberal, free country, and, at the same time, prosperous economy."

Before the two leaders met, White House press secretary Scott McClellan praised the prime minister, saying he "has made a lot of progress under his leadership to move Lebanon toward greater prosperity and democracy... since the withdrawal of Syrian troops."

He also said the United States "will continue to talk about the importance of making sure that there's no outside interference to destabilize Lebanon.

"We have a very good relationship with the people of Lebanon and they're still struggling to emerge from the shadow of Syrian occupation and to chart their own future," McClellan said.

Siniora said he appreciated the opportunity to discuss recent events in Lebanon with Bush. He said the United States and Lebanon share common values, and enjoy close ties through the many Lebanese immigrants to the United States.

The prime minister said he sensed a willingness from Bush to support Lebanese security by equipping its army, and said the United States will participate in an international conference to support Lebanon's economy.

He said he and Bush also discussed the status of the Shebaa Farms region, which remains occupied by Israel but is claimed by Lebanon as its territory. The prime minister said he also intends to discuss the matter with the United Nations, including whatever means would be required to have the area be internationally recognized as Lebanese territory.