The violence comes as the Lebanese government won more than $7 billion in pledges at a donor meeting in Paris. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the Bush administration would ask Congress for $700 million in aid to Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: “But more than what this may do, what this money may do for infrastructure, for security reform, for economic support, we hope that the people of Lebanon will take it as an expression from the American people of our admiration for Lebanon, of our friendship for Lebanon and of our belief in the ability of the people of Lebanon to overcome difficult times.”