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Annapolis, Maryland/Tripoli, Lebanon: US President George W. Bush on Tuesday linked a democratic Lebanon "free from outside interference and intimidation" to broader efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
Kicking off a US-championed conference on ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bush vowed to support Lebanon as it struggles to end a painful political stalemate by picking a new president.
"The Lebanese people are in the process of electing a president. That decision is for the Lebanese people to make. And they must be able to do so free from outside interference and intimidation," he said in a speech.
Bush never mentioned Syria, which held sway over its smaller neighbour for three decades.
"And that is why we will continue to support the Lebanese people. We believe democracy brings peace. And democracy in Lebanon is vital as well for the peace in the Middle East," he said.
"As they embark on this process, the people of Lebanon can know that the American people stand with them. And we look forward to the day when the people of Lebanon can enjoy the blessings of liberty without fear of violence or coercion," he said.
Lebanon faces a decisive week during which parliament is due to elect a new president, with many warning that the country risks sliding into chaos if the political vaccum persists.
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