Lebanon's PM thanks Hizbollah for its "sacrifices"

BEIRUT, July 30 (Reuters) Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora today thanked Hizbollah for its ''sacrifices'' in its war against Israel.

''We are in a strong position and I thank the Sayyed for his efforts,'' Siniora said when asked about a saturday statement by Hizbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah calling on the government to take advantage of Hizbollah's steadfastness against Israeli military might.

''I also thank all those who sacrifice their lives for the independence and sovereignty of Lebanon,'' he added.

Siniora, a member of Lebanon's anti-Syrian coalition, has often been at odds with the Syrian-backed Hizbollah but the 19-day-old conflict appears to have brought the two sides closer together.

Reuters SKU DB2036