Last update - 00:00 30/01/2007
Bush: Those behind Lebanon chaos must be 'called to account'
By DPA
United States President President George W. Bush on Monday condemned Syria, Iran and Hezbollah for trying to destabilize Lebanon, and called for "those responsible for creating chaos" to be "called to account."
"While Lebanon's friends seek to help the Lebanese government build a free, sovereign, and prosperous country, Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah are working to destabilize Lebanese society," Bush said.
In a statement, Bush also said the $7.6 billion pledged by last week's international conference in Paris for Lebanon was a "strong symbol" of support for the future of Lebanon.
The US has pledged $770 million as part of the effort to rebuild Lebanon after the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah last summer. Together with 230 million dollars the U.S. pledged at the Stockholm conference in August, U.S. contributions amount to $1 billion, he said.
"It is all the more troubling that the violence occurred while Lebanon's legitimate leaders and friends were gathered together in Paris to help secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the country," Bush said, referring to last week's donor conference.
Sit-ins staged by the Hezbollah-led opposition since December 1 turned violent last week. Hezbollah aims to topple the government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, which took office after the elections following the withdrawal of Syrian troops in 2005.