Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting on the Situation in Lebanon

President Bush met at 2:15 p.m. today with Lebanese-American leaders and Lebanese officials to discuss the current situation in Lebanon. President Bush expressed the deep concern of the United States for the violence now going on in Lebanon. He expressed his personal anguish over the many victims of the war that permeates through many parts of that country. The President referred to his telephone conversation with President Mitterrand of France and their mutual interest in finding a solution to the Lebanese problem.

President Bush said that the United States remains committed to an independent, free Lebanon and the restoration of Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, with the disbandment of militias and the withdrawal of all foreign forces. The President expressed his support for a cease-fire.