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Bush: Israel Has Right to Defend Itself
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=130FE50:3919ACA President Bush
blames Hezbollah for fighting, French President Chirac says 'all
parties' threatening Lebanon's security must be stopped as Pope
condemns retaliation in Holy Land





Russian President Putin talks with US President  Bush, as leaders of
the G8 nations, attend a working session in Russia, July 16,
2006President Bush says Israel has every right to defend itself
against Hezbollah in Lebanon, but he is urging Israel to use
restraint.

Speaking at the G-8 summit in Russia Sunday, Mr. Bush said the "root
cause" of the fighting is Hezbollah and its relationship with Syria
and Iran.

In Tehran, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Hamid Reza Asefi,
denied Israeli claims that Iran had sent soldiers or missiles to
Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran's government also warned that Israel would suffer "unimaginable
losses" if Syria is attacked. Syria also has threatened to respond if
attacked by Israel.

At the G-8 summit, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said extremists
backed by Iran and Syria want to disrupt Lebanese democracy by
creating tension and hostility.

French President Jacques Chirac said all parties threatening Lebanon's
security, stability and sovereignty "must be stopped."

Pope Benedict condemned what he described as the terrorist attacks and
retaliation in the Holy Land. He expressed regret over civilian deaths
and appealed to all sides to pursue dialogue.

The Arab League declared the Middle East peace process "dead" after
holding an emergency meeting in Cairo to discuss the Israeli actions
in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa urged the U.N. Security
Council to intervene to stop the fighting. Some information for this
report was provided by AP .


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