Lebanon says Bush to press Israel to limit attacks

BEIRUT, July 14 (Reuters) US President George W Bush telephoned Prime Minister Fouad Siniora today and assured him he was pressing Israel to contain the damage to Lebanon and avoid civilian casualties, Siniora's office said in a statement.

''Prime Minister Siniora called on President Bush to exert all his efforts on Israel to stop its aggression on Lebanon, reach a comprehensive ceasefire and lift its blockade,'' it said in a statement.

''President Bush stressed that he was keen on pressing Israel to contain the damage to Lebanon and to avoid inflicting harm on innocent civilians.'' Israel launched a widespread bombing campaign in Lebanon and tightened an air, sea and land blockade of its northern neighbour after Hizbollah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight in a cross-border attack.

Hizbollah retaliated by firing dozens of rockets at northern Israel.

More than 60 civilians in Lebanon and two in Israel have been killed in the worst bout of fighting since Israel ended its occupation of south Lebanon six years ago.

The Israeli air force struck Beirut international airport again on Friday and bombed Lebanese roads, power supplies and communication networks.

Bush said yesterday that ''Israel has the right to defend herself,'' and made clear at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he felt Israel's actions in Lebanon were justified.

He also urged the Israelis to be careful their campaign did not weaken the fragile Lebanese government.

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