For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 19, 2006
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
July 18, 2006
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
Hostilities involving Israeli military forces and Hezbollah terrorists in
Lebanon commenced on July 12, 2006, and have included military operations
in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.
Although there is no evidence that Americans are being directly targeted,
the security situation has deteriorated and now presents a potential threat
to American citizens and the U.S. Embassy. On July 14, the Department of
State first requested Department of Defense assistance to support the
departure of American citizens from Lebanon. On July 15, U.S. military
helicopters temporarily deployed to Cyprus. On July 16, these
combat-equipped helicopters delivered to U.S. Embassy, Beirut, a contingent
of U.S. military personnel who will assist in planning and conducting the
departure from Lebanon of U.S. Embassy personnel and citizens and
designated third country personnel. The helicopters also transported U.S.
citizens from Beirut to Cyprus. It is expected that these helicopters will
continue to provide support to the Embassy, including for the departure of
additional personnel from Lebanon. It is likely that additional
combat-equipped U.S. military forces may be deployed to Lebanon and Cyprus
and other locations, as necessary, in order to support further efforts to
assist in the departure of persons from Lebanon and to provide security.
These actions are being undertaken solely for the purpose of protecting
American citizens and property. United States forces will redeploy as soon
as it is determined that the threat to U.S. citizens and property has ended
and the departure of any persons, as necessary, is completed.
I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct
U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive. I am
providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress informed,
consistent with the War Powers Resolution.
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
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