Bush tells Syria to 'get completely out of Lebanon'
US President George W Bush said in an interview on Arab television today that his administration will keep up the pressure on Syria to completely end its influence in Lebanon.
Bush said he was pushing for Lebanon’s elections to be held before the May 31 deadline.
He also lashed out at the Iranian-backed Hezbollah guerrilla group, a popular force here, describing it as a “dangerous organisation.”
“The US can join with the rest of the world, like we’ve done, and say to Syria, get out – not only get out with your military forces, but get out with your intelligence services, too; get completely out of Lebanon, so Lebanon can be free and the people can be free,” Bush said.
Excerpts of the interview were aired this evening with the full interview due to be aired later tonight.
Bush said he was pleased to see the Syrian army withdrawing “and we expect them to be completely out.”
Syria began withdrawing its army from Lebanon in March under international pressure. A senior Lebanese military official said today the remaining 1,000 Syrian troops – part of a contingent that once numbered about 40,000 – would pull out of Lebanon in seven days.
Bush said the withdrawal should include people who “have been embedded in parts of government … They need to get completely out of Lebanon so the people of Lebanon can decide the fate of the country – not another government, not agents of another government, but the people,” he said.
Bush said the Lebanese “are tired of living under a government which, in essence, was a foreign occupation,” a reference to Syria’s 29-year-old military presence in its smaller, weaker neighbour.
He declared US support for this country, saying “the Lebanese people have made it clear that they want to be free of Syrian influence, they want there to be free elections. And the US of America stands squarely with the people of Lebanon.”
He promised to help Lebanon’s “new democracy succeed” by working closely with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other international organisations as well as the European Union “to help this country get back on its feet after occupation.”
“There will be plenty of help,” he declared.
He said Lebanon should have elections and Lebanese ought to feel comfortable about voting and expressing their opinions.
Elections should be held for a new parliament before the legislature’s term expires May 31. A new government was formed in Beirut today, ending a seven-week political deadlock between pro-Syrian and anti-Syrian factions. Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati has said his administration would work to hold a vote before the deadline.
Bush said the election “ought to be as scheduled. And the elections need to be free and fair, without interference,” saying monitors should oversee the balloting to make sure it’s free and fair.
