On her part, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressed appreciation for hosting U.S. President George W. Bush by the Saudi government, and highlighted the existing strong and distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, which dates back to several decades. Rice noted that she had reviewed with Prince Saud Al-Faisal a number of problems pertaining to the region including the current situation in Lebanon. She urged the Lebanese parties to forge cooperation for resolving their problem, and said such a development will serve the region's security and stability. Rice underlined the importance of the Arab plan for the settlement of the situation in Lebanon and said the Arab Plan is identical with that of the American viewpoint. She expressed anxiety over the explosion in Lebanon and voiced sympathy with the families of the victims of the explosion. Commenting on Iraq, Rice stressed the importance of the national reconciliation for the sake of Iraq's and the region's security and stability. She welcomed the efforts so far exerted in this respect and stressed the importance of the efforts exerted for boosting the peace process in the Middle East. Later Prince Saud and Rice answered the questions raised by Pressmen.--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/518117