Bush calls Lebanon PM and Gemayel's father

WASHINGTON, Nov 22 (Reuters) President George W Bush called Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to offer his support after the assassination of Lebanese Christian Cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel, the White House said today.

He also called Gemayel's father, former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel, to offer condolences, said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.

In the call with Siniora, Bush pledged ''to support Lebanese independence from the encroachments of Iran and Syria,'' Johndroe said.

REUTERS SP ND2104