Under Secretary for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns Travel

Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
January 23, 2008


Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns will visit Israel and the Palestinian Territories on January 23-25. On January 24, 2008, Israel and the United States will conduct another round of the U.S.-Israeli Strategic Dialogue led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation Shaul Mofaz and Under Secretary Burns to strengthen the already close strategic cooperation between our two countries. The last Strategic Dialogue held between Israel and the United States took place on November 8, 2007. These talks are a manifestation of the profound historical and security ties between the United States and Israel, based on our close friendship, shared values and common interests.
The Strategic Dialogue will provide a welcome opportunity to discuss a broad range of regional issues that are of great importance to both Israel and the United States. The U.S. and Israeli teams will discuss their assessments of Iran's nuclear program and diplomatic efforts underway to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capability. They also will discuss concerns over the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of Hizballah and other militias in Lebanon.
Under Secretary Burns also will meet with Secretary General of the PLO Executive Committee Yasser Abed Rabbo and Senior Political Advisor to the President Akram Haniyah. The Under Secretary will tour the UNRWA Headquarters in Jerusalem.
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Released on January 23, 2008   

Bush says Iran, Syria must end interference in Lebanon

REUTERS

Bush says Iran, Syria must end interference in Lebanon

Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:51pm IST

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that Syria and Iran must end interference in Lebanese politics, and called for nations in the region to support Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

"We agreed it's important for nations in this region to support Prime Minister Siniora," Bush said in a joint news conference with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as the U.S. president wrapped up a regional tour.

"It's important to encourage the holding of immediate and unconditional presidential elections according to the Lebanese constitution. And to make it clear to Syria, Iran and their allies they must end their interference and efforts to undermine the process."