KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine, June 30 (UPI) -- President George Bush has banned Syrian and Lebanese officials accused of undermining the Lebanese government from entering the United States.
The travel ban is intended to foster democratic institutions in Lebanon and to "help the Lebanese people preserve their sovereignty," said the order Bush signed Friday at his family's compound in Kennebunkport, Maine.
The list of banned Syrian officials includes Assef Shawkat, Syria's director of military intelligence, and Hisham Ikhtiyar, adviser to President Bashar al-Assad.
The Bush administration has sought to isolate Syria diplomatically while shoring up the government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.
White House officials have accused Syria of encouraging terrorism by letting foreign fighters cross into Iraq and supporting Hamas and Hezbollah militants opposed to Israel.
The travel ban also was prompted by the recent assassination of Lebanese legislator Walid Eido, White House officials said.
