Bush: Israel must defend itself
16/07/2006 09:32  - (SA)  

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St Petersburg - United States President George W Bush repeated on Sunday that Israel had the right to defend itself in the Middle East, and did not back Lebanese calls for an immediate ceasefire.

"Our message to Israel is defend yourself but be mindful of the consequences, so we are urging restraint," said Bush.

Bush has refused to call on Israel to halt its offensive on Lebanon to punish Hizbollah guerrilla attacks across its border.

Speaking after bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at a Group of Eight summit, Bush made the comment in reply to a reporter's question about a Lebanese proposal for an immediate ceasefire.

Referring to an upcoming discussion on the Middle East by G8 leaders, Bush said: "I think most leaders are beginning to recognise the root cause of the problem."

Bush has blamed Hizbollah for the recent upsurge in violence.

Blair told reporters it was essential to calm the situation and G8 leaders would work hard for "a common and unified position".

"The only way we are going to get this situation calm and we are going to get a cessation of hostilities is if we address the reasons why the situation has arisen," he said.

- Reuters

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