US blames Syria, Iran
2008-05-10 09:54
Washington - The Bush administration accused Iran and Syria of fuelling violence in Lebanon by inciting members of the radical Shi'ite Hezbollah movement to take up arms against the country's western-backed government.
As Hezbollah militants seized control of large parts of Beirut, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice denounced the show-of-force, which she said on Friday was being supported by Iranian and Syrian elements, and reaffirmed the firm support of the United States for Prime Minister Fuad Saniora's shaky coalition.
"Backed by Syria and Iran, Hezbollah and its allies are killing and injuring innocent citizens and undermining the legitimate authority of the Lebanese government and the institutions of the Lebanese state," she said.
"Seeking to protect their state within a state, Hezbollah has exploited its allies and demonstrated its contempt for its fellow Lebanese."
"We will stand by the Lebanese government and the peaceful citizens of Lebanon through the crisis and provide the support they need to weather this storm," Rice said in a statement.
Rice spoke by phone with Saniora, UN chief Ban Ki-moon and the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and France about the situation. The White House said the United States was talking "with other governments in the region and with the UN Security Council about measures that must be taken to hold those responsible for the violence in Beirut accountable."
"Hezbollah's relationship with Iran and Syria, as well as its history of international terrorism and provision of lethal support and training to Iraqi-based extremist groups, demonstrates the threat it poses to international peace and security," White House spokesperson Gordon Johndroe said.
Rice's statement was read to reporters by State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack who said the United States had evidence that Iran and Syria, in particular, were beginning to take an active role in encouraging the violence that has killed at least 14 people and wounded 20 since it began on Wednesday.
- AP