Syria an obstacle to ME peace

The US leader said however that anti-Syrian demonstrations by thousands of people in Lebanon was one of the "remarkable" new signs of democracy sweeping the region.

"For years, the Lebanese people have suffered from the aftermath of a horrific civil war and occupation by Syria," Bush said in his weekly radio address.

"Lebanese citizens who have watched free elections in Iraq are now demanding the right to decide their own destiny, free of Syrian control and domination.

"Syria has been an occupying force in Lebanon for nearly three decades, and Syria's support for terrorism remains a key obstacle to peace in the broader Middle East."

The US president has made almost daily attacks on Syria since protests in Beirut started, sparked by the assassination last month of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri.

"Today, America and Europe are standing together with the Lebanese people," Bush said, highlighting US cooperation with France to get a UN Security Council resolution on the withdrawal of foreign forces in Lebanon passed.

"The world is now speaking with one voice to ensure that democracy and freedom are given a chance to flourish in Lebanon," Bush said.