For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 9, 2006
President's Statement on Prime Minister Blair Visit to Lebanon, Israel, and Palestinian Territories
I am pleased that Prime Minister Blair will be visiting Lebanon, Israel,
and the Palestinian territories. The deployment of increasing numbers of
international forces in an enhanced United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon
(UNIFIL), which enabled the lifting of the air and sea blockade of Lebanon,
makes this a timely visit. The Prime Minister will be discussing ways to
facilitate the full implementation of United Nations Security Council
Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, including enforcing the ban on unauthorized arms
shipments to Hezbollah from Iran and Syria. I understand the Prime
Minister will also be exploring ways to advance the dialogue between
Israelis and Palestinians and the two state solution - a democratic Israel
and democratic Palestine living side by side in peace and security. I wish
him well in his efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
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