If Damascus aims at improving its ties with Washington, it needs to stop backing Baathists in Iraq, completely pull out from Lebanon and shut down the offices of Hizbullah, US President George W. Bush said in remarks published on Tuesday.
"Hizbullah not only is trying to destabilize the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, but Hizbullah, as you know, is a dangerous organization," the president told the Lebanese Broadcasting Corp. during an interview.
Bush added his administration has been clear about the steps it wants Syria to take. "One is to stop supporting Baathists in Iraq - stop those people in Syria who are funneling money and helping smuggle people and arms into Iraq," Bush said. "They've heard that message directly from me. And secondly, of course, is to completely withdraw from Lebanon."
Bush said he thinks Syria will respond to diplomatic pressure, and that the United States would be willing to rally the international community to help Lebanon's economy.
"The United States, as well as European finance ministers, would want to work closely with international organizations, like the IMF (International Monetary Fund) or the World Bank, to help this country get back on its feet after occupation - help this new democracy succeed," Bush said. "Yes, there will plenty of help."
