Free Republic

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in Beirut Thursday on a surprise visit aimed to support efforts by anti-Syrian groups to oust President Emile Lahoud. Rice, who is on a regional tour, has met with Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh at Rafik Hariri International Airport. She will also hold talks with Prime Minister Fouad Saniora and other Lebanese officials during the visit that will last for only several hours. "The sole purpose of this trip is to express support for the Lebanese people and for the Lebanese government as they try to recover fully their sovereignty," Rice said upon...

The American Secretary of State Thursday morning in Beirut BEIRUT - the Secretary of State American, Condoleezza Rice, must pay Thursday an unexpected visit of a few hours in Beirut, within the framework of his round in the Middle East, one learned from official source. The American Secretary of State must in particular discuss, during his visit with Beqyrouth with the Foreign Minister, Fawzi Salloukh, and the Prime Minister, Fouad Siniora, one specified of the same source. The visit in Beirut of Mrs. Rice, who left Thursday Riyadh morning to continue her round in the area, had not been...