WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Monday welcomed Syria's pledge to complete its troop withdrawal from Lebanon in less than four weeks and stressed the pull-out must include all of Damascus' security forces.
"I appreciate the fact that Syria has expressed its intent to fully leave the country," Bush said in the White House's ornate East Room during a joint public appearance with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.
"That not only means troops, but it means security forces, as far as I'm concerned. When they say 'we're going to leave the country' we expect troops and security forces to leave," said Bush.
In an apparent reference to Lebanese parliamentary elections expected in May, Bush declared: "It's important for this election to take place on time, and we look forward to continue to work with our friends and allies to make sure Lebanon is truly free."
04/04/2005 16:28 GMT