When Mr. Bush and mini-Hariri talk, don't you think that they also discuss latest intellectual trends, and themes from continental philosophy? "MR. HADLEY: The President talked with Saad Hariri this morning. Saad Hariri wanted to speak to the President; expressed his appreciation for U.S. support and leadership in the U.N. Security Council for the adoption of the Chapter 7 resolution last week that established the international tribunal to look into the Hariri assassination -- expressed his appreciation for that.
He also expressed appreciation for the support the United States is providing to the Lebanese armed forces as they deal with the security challenge associated with the refugee camp, where they're engaged in dealing with extremist forces around that camp.
Those were the two topics that were really covered in that conversation.
Q When was this phone call?
MR. HADLEY: This morning.
Q On Air Force One?
MR. HADLEY: Yes, it was at about 7:35 a.m.
Q You said Mr. Hariri asked for the phone call?
MR. HADLEY: Saad Hariri asked for the phone call in order to express his appreciation to the President on those two points.
Q Did he ask for any other kind of help from the United States?
MR. HADLEY: There is ongoing cooperation between the United States and the Lebanese armed forces to identify additional requirements that they need. Some of those have already been provided; some will be provided in the future.
Q What has been provided?
MR. HADLEY: Assistance, in terms of ammunition and things of that sort. There are some military requirements. We can get you some more specifics on that.
Q And Mr. Hariri asked President Bush for this?
MR. HADLEY: There are some additional items that are already under consideration that we are talking about with the Lebanese forces.
Q Do you have any details on those additional items?
MR. HADLEY: I do not.
Q Was this phone call -- was part of the phone call because Lebanon is seeking additional assistance?
MR. HADLEY: He called for two reasons: to express his appreciation to the President for the leadership we gave on the Chapter 7 resolution, and to express appreciation for the assistance we have provided the Lebanese armed forces. There is an ongoing process already to identify requirements that have already been satisfied and to identify additional requirements. That is being handled in DOD-Lebanese armed forces channels.
Q Did you provide any intelligence to the Lebanese army in the effort?
MR. HADLEY: We can get that to you. The truth is, they don't need much intelligence, since this is an operation on their territory.
What they've needed from us and what we have provided, of course, is this assistance to their military as they deal with this problem." (thanks Mounzer)