US calls on Iran, Syria to press Hizbollah on Lebanon

WASHINGTON, July 18 (Reuters) The United States, maintaining its position that Israel has a right to defend itself, today called for Iran and Syria to exert their influence to halt rocket fire by militant group Hizbollah.

Hizbollah started the conflict and Syria and Iran, the group's backers, should be using their influence to halt it, said White House spokesman Tony Snow, referring to the militant group's attacks on Israel from Lebanon.

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