    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [August 24, 2006]
    [Page 1553]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on France's Decision To Send Troops to Lebanon in Support of
    United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701
    August 24, 2006

        I welcome President Chirac's decision to
    send a total of 2,000 troops to Lebanon and to continue to exercise
    leadership on the ground in enforcing United Nations Security Council
    Resolution 1701. This is an important step towards finalizing
    preparations to deploy the United Nations Interim Force of Lebanon. I
    applaud the decision of France, as well as the significant pledges from
    Italy and our other important allies. I encourage other nations to make
    contributions as well. We are working with the United Nations and our
    partners to ensure the rapid deployment of this force to help Lebanon's
    legitimate armed forces restore the sovereignty of its democratic
    Government throughout the country and stop Hizballah from acting as a
    state within a state.

    Note: The statement referred to President Jacques Chirac of France.