Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., June 18, 2008 Sivan 15, 5768 | | Israel Time: 09:17 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in Israel. (Tess Scheflan / Jini) Last update - 00:37 17/06/2008 Rice, in Beirut, voices U.S. backing for gov't that ups Hezbollah's power By The Associated Press Tags: Lebanon, Israel  BEIRUT - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice put an American stamp of approval Monday on plans for a new government in Lebanon that would increase the power of Hezbollah militants. Rice made an unannounced visit to Lebanon's capital to meet with Western-backed leaders of an emerging coalition government, which the country's factions are still negotiating over. The U.S. regards Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah as a terrorist group and has no dealings with it. Advertisement "Congratulations," Rice said as she shook hands with Michel Suleiman, the army chief elected last month as president. "We are all just very supportive of your presidency and your government." She introduced members of the U.S. delegation to him as they sat down for their meeting at the presidential palace. On the flight from Israel, Rice told reporters her message would be one of U.S. support for Lebanese democracy and that they would discuss how the United States can support the institutions of a free Lebanon. Hezbollah, which is both a militia and a political party, gained veto power over the Beirut government in a compromise brokered last month. The deal ended 18 months of political paralysis, and followed bloody street clashes. The U.S. would have preferred that Hezbollah not gain greater power, but has called the deal a necessary step for stability. The breakthrough deal, reached with the help of Arab mediators, allowed Lebanon's parliament to elect a new president. Suleiman's election brought palpable relief to Lebanese who feared their country was in danger of another civil war. It also ushered in a shift in the balance of power in favor of Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Rice's visit came as U.S.-backed Prime Minister Fuad Siniora was facing difficulties in forming a national unity government. For nearly three weeks, Siniora has been trying - so far without success - to form a Cabinet lineup acceptable to both the Western-backed parliamentary majority and the Hezbollah-led opposition. Rice is the first high-level U.S. official to visit since the power sharing agreement was reached. She met Suleiman for the first time. Hezbollah's ascendancy is a setback for the U.S., which had strongly backed the Lebanese government for three years and is concerned that Iran's influence is spreading in the Middle East. Nevertheless, the U.S. welcomed the developments in Lebanon and its diplomats and visiting congressmen attended Suleiman's election. Political bickering prevented parliament from electing a president 19 times, leaving the country without a president since Emile Lahoud left office in November. Suleiman's election is the first tangible step in the deal to end the political crisis which erupted in May into the worst violence since Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war. The agreement was a victory for Hezbollah and its allies, who got their long-standing demand for veto power over government decisions. The Shiite militant group won that concession after it demonstrated its military power last month. Gunmen overran large parts of Muslim west Beirut after the government tried to rein Hezbollah in. The show of force left 81 people dead, including 14 Hezbollah fighters, and gave the guerrilla group new political leverage. The United States claims it also has provoked a backlash against Hezbollah among many Lebanese who cannot stomach the group's use of force against fellow citizens. Related articles: Rice: Settlement construction has 'negative effect' on talks ANALYSIS / Hezbollah's price to return soldiers is not impossibly high Lebanon gov't challenges Hezbollah on weapons arsenal ANALYSIS / Price of quiet in Lebanon is Hezbollah in power Bookmark to del.icio.us   Religious pressure Tel Aviv supermarket chain agrees gradual Shabbat closure. Overgenerous diplomacy UN envoy: Israel has given Syria a 'huge gift' for free.   1.   What choice has she? 02:13  |  Mark Lincoln 17/06/08   2.   Condasleeza Rice not for Israel 05:58  |  John Fellows 17/06/08   3.   It`s a common practice 07:44  |  Natallie Durson 17/06/08   4.   Maybe Israel will see the picture clearer now 09:39  |  Really Think 17/06/08   5.   Then she does not speak for the Lebanese 11:02  |  Jo 17/06/08   6.   Lincoln, Durson you are not very bright!! 08:24  |  Abraham Saks 18/06/08   7.   support?! 08:41  |  Michael 18/06/08

Read & React Report: Israel approves Gaza Strip cease-fire deal Responses: 32 M. Arens: Olmert dead wrong for saying next U.S. President won't be as friendly as Bush Send response Syrian official: Peace with Israel will create harmonious Mideast Responses: 9 Editorial: Law to ban Arab MKs from visiting enemy states is an insulting PR ploy Send response Uzi Benziman: Despite high price, Hezbollah deal for kidnapped troops is a necessity Send response Rosner's Domain Guests: Weak relationship between later marriage and intermarriage To Republicans Iran's a threat, to Democrats not so much (WTR) Dovish Jewish lobby endorses seven candidates Poll: Cease fire in Gaza is an achievement for... Obama, McCain aides agree: Israel, U.S. must discuss strike on Iran More Headlines 09:01 Report: Israel approves Gaza Strip cease-fire deal 08:02 Meshal: Any Israeli violation of deal would not go unanswered 07:23 ANALYSIS / Cease-fire deal means Hamas is in charge 07:57 U.S. pushes for Israel-Lebanon peace talks, deal on Shaba 08:42 Syrian official: Peace with Israel will create harmonious Mideast 08:48 Civil Administration officials indicted in West Bank land steal 07:16 Holocaust survivors from former USSR denied reparations 07:18 ElBaradei: Syria lacks skills, fuel for nuclear facility 07:20 Czech leader pledges to advance EU-Israel relations 05:23 New detection tool pinpoints virus behind cervical cancer 06:16 Katsav could face civil suits over sexual assault charges 23:27 Sex and the Old City / Star of hit TV show Kristin Davis makes first visit to Jerusalem 02:56 Will Olmert and Assad be sitting together at the same table? Previous Editions Select Day 17 jun 16 jun 15 jun 13 jun 12 jun 11 jun 10 jun 09 jun 08 jun 06 jun 05 jun 04 jun

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