US President George W. Bush expressed his country’s interest in a free Lebanon, that is free of foreign influence and Syrian intimidation, to chart its own course, and highlighted the need for a full and firm investigation into the assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, so the perpetrators of last year’s attack can be held accountable. After a meeting with head of the Future bloc in Parliament MP Saad Rafic Hariri at the White House, President Bush made clear that Syria should implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, and voiced backing for the Lebanese in solving their economic problems.
After the White House meeting, which was attended by US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, President Bush described the talks with MP Hariri as important, and said both shared a “mutual desire for Lebanon to be free; free of foreign influence, free of Syrian intimidation, free to chart its own course.” “The American people mourn the loss of life. I know it's been hard on you and your mom, who I had the honor of meeting in Paris, and your family to – as you think about your dad, a man who cared about Lebanon a lot,” President Bush added at the Oval Office.
He paid tribute to MP Hariri’s “passion for the people of Lebanon,” and highlighted the significance of democracy in the country for the entire region. He said “with the focused effort of the free world reminding Syria to uphold to the U.N. Resolution 1559, we will be able to achieve the objective.” President Bush also told reporters that he discussed with MP Hariri holding an international donors conference in support of Lebanon.
Speaking to reporters, head of the Future bloc said the US President is following up on the security situation in Lebanon, including the latest assassination which hit the country- that of MP Gebran Tueini. He said President Bush is ready to back the country in “any possible way to reinforce Lebanon’s stance.”
Asked about Hizbollah’s arms, MP Hariri referred to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, but said Lebanon asked to postpone the issue of disarmament, to hold national dialogue, a request that has been accepted. Mr. Hariri stressed that national dialogue stands a chance in Lebanon. In response to a question about the achievements of his visit to the United States, he told reporters there was American support for the UN investigation into Premier Hariri’s assassination, and for holding the Beirut I international donors economic conference, and backing for military aid for the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces is under consideration. Mr. Hariri also reiterated support for strong US-Lebanese relations, which should be preserved to help liberate Lebanon.
Regarding an Arab bid to mediate strained Lebanese-Syrian relations, MP Hariri said Lebanon has always welcomed such initiatives, and pointed out that without the backing of Saudi Arabia, the 1975-1990 war in Lebanon would not have ended, and added that the Kingdom wants stability and wants to put an end to ongoing assassinations. Mr. Hariri told reporters that King Abdullah supports the international probe into the late Premier’s assassination.
In response to a question about the return of Cabinet Ministers who recently walked out of the government, MP Hariri expected their return “soon” as part of a serious dialogue. “If we consider Lebanon’s interests as priority we will realize that the solution is simple,” Mr. Hariri said. He was also asked about his recent meeting with US Vice President Dick Cheney; MP Hariri said they discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region, and that Mr. Cheney supports Lebanese democracy, and the truth behind the late leader’s assassination. Regarding the Iranian nuclear crisis, Mr. Hariri said regional stability and peace are necessary, and that the Middle East has enough conflicts.
Head of the Future bloc had also visited Capitol Hill, where he met Chairman of the US Foreign Relations Committee Richard Lugar. Talks focused on the situation in Lebanon and the region and. He also met Congressman Chuck Hagel in the presence of Deputy House Speaker Fareed Makari. At his place of residence, Mr. Hariri had received Arab diplomats in Washington and updated them about the situation in Lebanon and the region. He also met candidate for the Presidency in Lebanon Dr. Chebli Mallat.