Lebanese PM meets President Bush

(24 Apr 2001)

1. Various shots of George W. Bush and Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in an Oval Office photo op
2. Prime Minister Hariri walks out of White House towards camera and podium
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rafik Hariri, Lebanese Prime Minister
"I explained to the President that Lebanon is keen and interested to see the peace process going on. And the situation in the region is concerning everybody and we would like to see the United States playing a more effective role to push forward the peace process."
4. Wide high shot of Hariri talking to press

STORYLINE:

Lebanon's Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri , was in the U.S. capital, Washington, on Tuesday, pushing for more investment in his country.

Hariri had a morning meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush in the Oval Office.

The Lebanese prime minister told the press following the meeting that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, the economic situation in Lebanon and the Middle East peace process.

Lebanon's economy is still shaky more than a decade after its long civil war, and its government knows it needs strong investment.

On the issue of relations with Israel, Bush was expected to renew demands that Lebanon takes responsibility for its border with Israel as drawn up by the United Nations.

This would ease persistent tensions that could lead to a broader Middle East conflict.

Most in Lebanon agree that Hariri can't acquiesce to such a request without angering Syria, effectively the political master of Lebanon.

Hariri said he'd asked the U.S. president to play a more prominent role in the Middle East peace process.

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