US frets for civilians caught in Lebanon fighting

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The White House expressed concern Monday for civilians caught up in fighting between Lebanon's Western-backed government and Hezbollah forces, and appealed for respect of the nation's democracy.

Asked if talks would go ahead between President George W. Bush and Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora on Sunday in Egypt, spokeswoman Dana Perino said there were "no changes" to Bush's schedule at the moment.

"But our concern is one, for the safety of the innocent civilians who are caught in the middle in this conflict," she told reporters.

"And we believe that the Lebanese deserve to have the democracy that they asked for, and the one that they voted for. And we are very disappointed in what's been happening, very concerned by it," Perino said....