July 24, 2006

Bush on Lebanon

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President Bush on the anniversary of the assassination of former-Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, February 14th, 2006:

Great challenges remain [for Lebanon], and the United States will continue to stand with the people of Lebanon as they strive to build a free and democratic future.

President Bush with Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora on the South Lawn, April 18th, 2006:

There’s no question in my mind that Lebanon can serve as a great example for what is possible in the broader Middle East; that out of the tough times the country has been through will rise a state that shows that it’s possible for people of religious difference to live side-by-side in peace; to show that it’s possible for people to put aside past histories to live together in a way that the people want, which is, therefore, to be peace and hope and opportunity.

President Bush on July 13, 2006:

“Israel has a right to defend herself,” Bush said at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “Every nation must defend herself against terrorist attacks and the killing of innocent life.”

President Bush to reporters at the White House, July 18, 2006:

Noting that Israel had a right to defend itself, Bush said, “Sometimes it requires tragic situations to help bring clarity in the international community… And it is now clear for all to see that there are terrorist elements who want to destroy our democratic friends and allies, and the world must work to prevent them from doing so.”

President Bush to Tony Blair in Russia on the UN proposed peace plan, July 17th, 2006:

“I don’t like the sequence of it, his attitude is basically ceasefire and everything else happens…What they need to do is get Syria to get Hizbollah to stop doing this shit and it’s over. I felt like telling Kofi [Annan] to get on the phone with [Syrian president Bashar al-] Assad and make something happen.”

President Bush during weekly radio address, July 22nd, 2006:

“We’re…mindful of the cost to innocent civilians in Lebanon and in Israel, and we have called on Israel to continue to exercise the greatest possible care to protect innocent lives … America remains committed to lasting peace in the Middle East.”

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