President Bush Vows To Help Lebanese Army Regain Control Of Beirut

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President George Bush has pledged to help the Lebanese army fight Hezbollah-led opposition forces.

In an interview with Al Arabiya television on Monday, the President said, "I personally admire Prime Minister Siniora, and the Lebanese democracy is essential to a peaceful Middle East in many ways. And so we're - we will help him. We'll help him particularly and primarily through strengthening his armed forces, the Lebanese armed forces. It's probably the most practical way that we can get some help to him quickly."

He earlier issued a statement saying the U.S. would continue its assistance to Siniora's government. "The international community will not allow the Iranian and Syrian regimes, via their proxies, to return Lebanon to foreign domination and control," President Bush had said. "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."

The President made his statements ahead of a trip to the Middle East, where he scheduled to meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Fighting in Lebanon began last week after opposition forces led by the Shiite militia Hezbollah occupied West Beirut. At least 60 people have died from the fighting, according to BBC.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had cited a purge against opposition groups after the government decided to close down Hezbollah's telecommunications network and dismiss Beirut airport security chief Gen. Wafik Shqaier for ties to the Shiite militia.