Bush repeats Israel has right to self-defence

ST PETERSBURG, Russia, July 16: US President George W Bush today repeated that Israel had the right to defend itself in West Asia, but did not back Lebanese calls for an immediate ceasefire.

''Our message to Israel is defend yourself but be mindful of the consequences, so we are urging restraint,'' said Bush, who has refused to call on Israel to halt its offensive on Lebanon to punish Hizbollah guerrilla attacks across its border.

Reuters