Condi stops first in Beirut on her trip to the Middle East

Reports the AP:

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) -- In a surprise visit to a battered Beirut, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised the beleaguered prime minister of Lebanon on Monday for his courage in struggling to contain the fighting between the Hezbollah militia and Israel.

Rice's five-hour visit, which opened her trip to the Middle East, marked the first high-level U.S. diplomatic mission to the area since fighting erupted 13 days ago. Her stay was marked by tight security as motorcades whisked her through a pummeled capital city, passing cross streets that were blocked off by armed Lebanese security forces.

Rice met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, who told her that his government is looking to "put an end to the war that is being inflicted on Lebanon." Bush administration officials have so far said that a cease-fire would be premature unless it addresses the threat Hezbollah fighters pose to Israel.

Thank you for your courage and steadfastness," Rice told Saniora after he greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks. [More...]

Condi recently met with the Patriarch of the Maronite Catholics in Lebanon, Cardinal Sfeir. She is also scheduled to travel to Israel and Rome on this trip. Will she meet with Benedict, I wonder?