    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [October 4, 2007]
    [Pages 1277-1278]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following Discussions With Parliament Member Sa'ad al-Din al-
    Hariri of Lebanon
    October 4, 2007

        President Bush. It is my honor to welcome the honorable Sa'ad Hariri
    here to the Oval Office. Sa'ad is the majority leader in the Lebanese
    Parliament.
        I told this courageous leader that the United States strongly
    supports the success of democracy in Lebanon, that we respect your
    country, and that we understand the obstacles that you face. First, I
    was very impressed by the response of the Government and Prime Minister
    Siniora in dealing with the extremists and
    radicals, impressed by his willingness to have the Lebanese forces work
    for security in Lebanon, and so impressed that I asked Admiral
    Fallon to go to Lebanon to assess how we
    can further help the Government and the forces protect themselves from
    radical elements who are willing to use violence and terror to achieve
    objectives.
        We talked about the upcoming Presidential election, and I am deeply
    concerned about foreign interference in your elections. It is--the
    message has been sent to nations, such as Syria, that they should not
    interfere in the election of the President. The international community
    has spoken, and we expect Syria to honor those--that demand.
        Sa'ad Hariri suffered incredible tragedy when his good father was
    assassinated, killed in Lebanon. And as a result of that coldblooded
    murder, the international community has demanded accountability. At that
    tribunal, it's taking too long to get started. The international
    community must work more quickly to stand up this tribunal so people
    will be held to account. And not only that, this tribunal will send a
    clear message that there will be justice delivered for not only the
    murder of your dad but for the murder of others that have taken place on
    the streets of Beirut.
        You know, I admire your courage. This is a tough time.
        Mr. Hariri. Thank you.
        President Bush. And I appreciate the fact that you care enough about
    the people of Lebanon that you're willing to work hard for peace and
    democracy and freedom. And I reiterate what I told you, is that the
    United States is more than just an admirer; we want to help you as best
    as we possibly can.
        So I welcome you here to the Oval Office.
        Mr. Hariri. Thank you. I thank you, Mr. President, for the political
    and all the support that you have given Lebanon, from the international
    tribunal, from helping the security forces also in fighting those
    terrorists in Lebanon. Also, we in Lebanon have a very important
    constitutional Presidential election that we don't want any foreign
    interference in this Presidential election.
        We've had Members of our Parliament being killed. We ask--I ask Mr.
    President that this action is taken by terrorists that want to finish
    our democracy. We will stay resolved; we will stay focused on our
    democracy. We will not let those who want to destroy our democracy
    succeed. We have paid very dear blood, from my father to Mr. Antoine
    Ghanem lately; we're willing to pay the price to preserve our democracy.
    And we shall preserve our democracy with our country.
        Thank you, Mr. President.
        President Bush. Welcome. Glad you're here. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:01 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Fuad Siniora of
    Lebanon; Adm. William J. ``Fox'' Fallon, commander, U.S. Central
    Command; and former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri of Lebanon, who was
    assassinated on February 14, 2005. Mr. Hariri referred to Parliament

    [[Page 1278]]

    Member Antoine Ghanem of Lebanon, who was assassinated on September 19.