Bush To Freeze Assets Of People Undermining Lebanon's Democracy

WASHINGTON — President Bush announced yesterday that America will freeze the property and interests of people deemed to be undermining Lebanon's democratic government. Mr. Bush's executive order targets anyone found to be helping Syria assert control in Lebanon or otherwise trying to break down the rule of law, including by means of violence.

"Such actions constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," Mr. Bush said in an accompanying message to Congress. The treasury secretary, in consultation with the secretary of state, will designate the people affected by the order.