White House on Syria-Lebanon issue

Speaking about the visit of Lebanese opposition figures to the US seeking support to remove President Emile Lahoud, White House spokesman McClellan said "we support the Lebanese people and their desire to live in a free and sovereign nation -- free of interference from Syria and Syrian influence."

McClellan added "We've made that very clear. In terms of political decisions within Lebanon, that's up to the Lebanese people to decide. And I'm not sure -- I don't have a readout of any of the meetings that have taken place. I imagine some of those have taken place at the State Department. They can probably provide you additional information on that.

Replying to another question on why they are insisting Lahoud to step down before March 15th. McClellan said "I don't know if there's anything different than what we've previously expressed when it comes to Lebanon and our support for the people of Lebanon to live in a democratic and sovereign nation, free from outside interference."