Bush Blames Hezbollah for Mideast Violence

U.S. President George W. Bush gestures to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a media conference at the G8 summit site in St.Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, July 15, 2006. World leaders tore up a carefully prepared summit agenda Saturday to turn their attention to a growing crisis in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) (Alexander Zemlianichencko - AP)

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- President Bush on Saturday blamed the Islamic militant group Hezbollah and a compliant Syria for the escalating violence in the Middle East, taking a sharper stance than Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Bush held Israel blameless while Putin was also critical of Israel's military response.

"The best way to stop the violence is for Hezbollah to lay down its arms and to stop attacking. And therefore I call upon Syria to exert influence over Hezbollah," Bush said about the flare-up that could overshadow this weekend's meeting of world powers.

Bush blamed Hezbollah's rocket attacks at Israel from its base in southern Lebanon, and the militant group's capture of two Israeli soldiers for triggering the fierce fighting. Putin agreed it was unacceptable for Hezbollah to try to achieve its goal by using force and abductions.

But while Israel's concerns may be justified, "The use of force should be balanced" and should stop, Putin said.

Their news conference came hours after the breakdown of U.S.-Russian talks to bring Russia into the World Trade Organization, a long-sought goal of Putin's. He had hoped to announce an agreement on the WTO before hosting the Group of Eight summit.

The two leaders aren't in complete agreement either on democracy. Russia has come under criticism from some Western leaders for backsliding on democracy and exerting greater state control over the oil industry.

Bush emphasized the importance of individual rights and freedoms. "I fully understand that there will be a Russian style democracy. I don't expect Russia to look like the United States," Bush said. "As Vladimir pointedly reminded me last night, we have a different history, different traditions."

Putin replied: "We certainly would not want to have the same kind of democracy as they have in Iraq, I can tell you quite honestly." It was a reference to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, which Putin opposed, and the U.S. imposition of democracy there.

"We know for sure that we cannot strengthen or nation without developing democratic institutions," Putin said. "But, certainly, we will do this by ourselves."

Israel launched its offensive after Hezbollah guerrillas crossed the Israel-Lebanon border and captured two Israeli soldiers on Wednesday. Since then, Israel has bombarded Lebanon's airport and main roads while Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets into Israel.

Hezbollah is backed by both Syria and Iran.