Bush lauds Lebanese efforts at reconciliation

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
President George W. Bush on Thursday applauded efforts by Lebanon's new president to promote reconciliation in a country the United States considers key to combating extremism in the Middle East. In remarks at the outset of a White House meeting with President Michel Suleiman, Bush said he has watched carefully the public statements that Suleiman has made since taking office in May. "Your statements impressed me and we're most impressed by the national dialogue that you're holding in an attempt to seek reconciliation," Bush said as reporters looked on. "The United States is proud to stand by your side. Our mission is your mission: a country that is strong and capable, a country where people can make a peace." Suleiman, seen as relatively friendly with Syria, was installed as president in a compromise after Hizbullah blocked pro-Western factions from electing a politician who took a harder-line stance against Syria. Suleiman's talks with Bush on Thursday also were expected to cover the expansion of the Lebanese army and peace talks between Syria and Israel.