BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made
a surprise visit to volatile Lebanon under heavy guard Friday to
encourage a new democratic government outside Syrian control.
Rice was meeting officials of the new government that emerged
from a season of political change following the assassination of
anti-Syrian politician.
“This will be an opportunity first of all to congratulate the
Lebanon people on their incredible desire for democracy,” Rice
said en route to Beirut.
Rice’s visit comes three days after formation of new Cabinet led
Prime Minister-designate Foud Saniora.
“They keep pressing forward and they have now formed a
government,” Rice said. “I look forward to meeting and see how
the international community and the United States in particular can
be supportive.”