Bush Holds Joint Press Conference with Italy's Prime Minister

In Lebanon, Italy is the single largest contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping mission. We discussed the need for Syria to respect Lebanon's sovereignty, to cease identity support for terror and to open full diplomatic relations with Lebanon's elected government.

Italy has deployed more than 2300 troops to maintain stability in the Balkans. Our two nations support an independent and democratic Kosovo. And we're working to ensure that the new European Union mission deploys throughout that country.

We agree that all Balkan nations should be invited to join the EU and other trans-Atlantic institutions as they qualify for membership. We discussed Iran. And we agree that Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. We discussed the importance of full implementation of the United Nations sanctions on the regime in Tehran.

America and Italy are working closely to end the conflict in Georgia. We firmly support Georgia's democracy and sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States and the EU agree that the territory of Georgia includes the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We're working to meet the humanitarian needs of the Georgian people and help displaced families return to their homes.

To earn the respect of the international community, Russia must show respect for the sovereignty and territory of its neighbors. Russia must accept the responsibilities and obligations of international leadership.

Mr. Prime Minister, Laura and I are looking forward to our dinner with you tonight. We look forward to celebrating the enormous contributions that the sons and daughters of Italy have made in America. And we look forward to honoring the strong alliance that binds our two nations together.