    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 12, 2008]
    [Pages 665-666]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Lebanon
    May 12, 2008

        I strongly condemn Hizballah's recent efforts, and those of their
    foreign sponsors in Tehran and Damascus, to use violence and
    intimidation to bend the Government and people of Lebanon to their will.
    The United States will continue to firmly support the Government of
    Lebanon, led by Prime Minister Siniora, against
    this effort

    [[Page 666]]

    to undermine the hard-fought gains in sovereignty and independence the
    Lebanese people have made in recent years. The international community
    will not allow the Iranian and Syrian regimes, via their proxies, to
    return Lebanon to foreign domination and control. To ensure the safety
    and security of the people of Lebanon, the United States will continue
    its assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure they are able to
    defend the Lebanese Government and safeguard its institutions.
        It is critical that the international community come together to
    assist the Lebanese people in their hour of need. I plan to consult with
    regional leaders on my upcoming trip to the Middle East to coordinate
    efforts to support the Lebanese Government and implement U.N. Security
    Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, among others, which seek to bolster
    Lebanon's sovereignty against external efforts at destabilization and
    interference. The Lebanese people have sacrificed much for the sake of
    their freedom, and the United States will continue to stand with them
    against this latest assault on their independence and security.