Last update - 00:00 09/06/2007
Bush: Syria should refrain from disrupting Lebanese politics
By News Agencies
U.S. President George W. Bush said on Saturday Syria should stop disrupting the Lebanese government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora.
"It's very important that foreign influences like that of Syria not be continually disrupting the Siniora government," Bush said during a news conference with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi in Rome.
Syria has been accused in the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in 2005. Damascus has denied any involvement and Lebanon's pro-Syrian opposition is opposed to a tribunal to try the killers, which was set up by a UN vote.
"Now we just have to make sure the Siniora government survives. One of the best ways to do so is to insist that we proceed forward with the Hariri trial, to make sure that there are consequences for behavior that may affect the stability of a democracy," said Bush.
"I don't want to prejudge the outcome of the trial but I do think it's an important measure for all of us to see the truth in that part of the world," he said.
Pope tells Bush he backs regional Mideast solution
Pope Benedict told U.S. President George W. Bush on Saturday the Vatican would like a "regional and negotiated" solution conflicts in the Middle East, including the war in Iraq.
"The Holy See once more expressed its hope for a regional and negotiated solution to the conflicts that afflict that region," said a statement issued after Bush and the Pope held about 35 minutes of private talks.
Bush later held talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and other Vatican diplomats.
The statement said talks between Bush and the Pope included discussions about the war in Iraq, including the situation of minority Christians there, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Other topics discussed were Africa, particularly the conflict in Darfur, and Latin America, the statement said.
It was not clear if they discussed the future of post-Castro Cuba, which Bush had said before the meeting he would be willing to discuss with the Pope if the pontiff wanted.
The Vatican statement said they also discussed human rights, religious freedom, "the defense and promotion of life", marriage and the family.