The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Washington

US President George W. Bush said Thursday that he was "deeply concerned about foreign interference" by countries like Syria in Lebanon's upcoming presidential election.

"I am deeply concerned about foreign interference in the election. The message has been sent to nations such as Syria that they should not interfere," Bush said as he met with Lebanese parliament leader Saad Hariri, the son of slain former prime minister Rafiq Hariri. "As a result of that cold-blooded murder, the international community has demanded accountability" but the resulting plan for a UN-backed court has not made enough progress, Bush said during a brief joint public appearance. "That tribunal is taking too long to get started. The international community must work more quickly to stand up this tribunal so people will be held to account," said the US president "And not only that, this tribunal will send a clear message that there will be justice delivered" for Hariri's murder and other political assassinations in Lebanon, Bush said.

The court, which is to be based in the Netherlands, will try suspects in the assassination of Hariri, a popular five-time prime minister who was killed along with 22 others in a massive explosion on the Beirut seafront on February 14, 2005.