US Reiterates Support for Lebanon's Sovereignty, IntegrityThe United States has reiterated support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, Oriental Radio reported on Wednesday.The US made the assurance Tuesday night in a letter from US President George W. Bush delivered by US Ambassador in Beirut David Satterfield to Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, after Israel's hardline Likud leader Ariel Sharon won the prime ministerial election that day, the radio said. In his first message to Lahoud since his inauguration on January 20, Bush reaffirmed US commitment to supporting Lebanon and reiterated the US determination to exert efforts aimed at realizing a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Bush also stressed the importance of implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 425, under which Israel withdrew its troops form south Lebanon last May, ending 22-year occupation. He also called on all parties to "exercise restraint and safeguard the stability of the border." Bush paid tribute to the efforts Lahoud has been making to bring about peace in the region, asserting that the new US administration would cooperate with Lahoud and Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's government to consolidate bilateral ties. At a news conference on Tuesday held in Tokyo, Hariri urged the US to assume a "neutral stance in the Middle East peace process and be a just mediator." |
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