Bush to urge Israel to limit attacks

Beirut: US President Bush said he will urge Israel to limit damage to Lebanon to avoid civilian casualties.

Speaking to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Friday, he distanced himself from comments made on Thursday when he said Israel had the right to defend itself.

Siniora's office said in a statement on Friday, "Prime Minister Siniora called on President Bush to exert all his efforts on Israel to stop its aggression on Lebanon, reach a comprehensive ceasefire and lift its blockade."

"President Bush stressed that he was keen on pressing Israel to contain the damage to Lebanon and to avoid inflicting harm on innocent civilians."

More than 60 civilians in Lebanon and two in Israel have been killed in the worst bout of fighting since Israel ended its occupation of south Lebanon six years ago.