Rice Visit Aims to Bolster Lebanon Gov't (lots of info in article)

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Associated Press
Jul 24, 2006 12:45 PM (21 mins ago)

BEIRUT, Lebanon - In a surprise visit to a battered Beirut, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised the beleaguered prime minister of Lebanon on Monday for his courage in struggling to contain the fighting between the Hezbollah militia and Israel.

Rice met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, who told her that his government is looking to "put an end to the war that is being inflicted on Lebanon . . ."

Rice also met for about 45 minutes with the speaker of Lebanon's parliament, Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah and considered friendly to Syria, which held political and military sway in Lebanon for decades before pulling out troops last year.

Rice also met with members of the Lebanese parliament who have been staunch opponents of Syria's influence in Lebanon. She was also scheduled to travel to Israel and to Rome, where she expected to meet with officials of European and moderate Arab governments.

Under heavy guard, Rice flew by helicopter over the Mediterranean from Cyprus. Her motorcade sped through Beirut on the way to her meeting with Saniora. She was in the city for about five hours and then returned to Cyprus.

more: http://www.examiner.com/a-189777~Rice_Visit_Aims_to_Bolster_Lebanon_Gov_t.html

[mom cat]

1. If she REALLY wanted to bolster the govt in Lebanon she would insist on a

ceasefire immediately.

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2. It's a wonder that she didn't see anything to accomplish until now

plenty to do . . . she just wasn't in a hurry to do any of the diplomacy . . .

[bullimiami]

3. i dont think so. i think she had to hurry there to

keep them from joining the fight w/ hezbollah against israel.
they have already threatened to do it.

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4. trying to keep Syria at bay

but, all roads lead (through) . . . Damascus

[bemildred]

5. It's very amusing to see Ms Rice compaining about Syria doing nothing.

This is interesting too:

"Rice also met for about 45 minutes with the speaker of Lebanon's parliament, Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah and considered friendly to Syria, which held political and military sway in Lebanon for decades before pulling out troops last year."

Although I suppose she was just making threats, at least that would be the past pattern.

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6. after all, she said she wasn't going to negotiate with Hizbollah

so what WAS the subject of the discussion?