[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.