US views on Syria's position regarding Lebanon

The US Department OF State deputy Spokesman Tom Casey said US actions regarding Lebanon aim to strengthen the independence of the country from outside forces.

Casey was asked yesterday that the Syrian Foreign Minister accused US of playing an unconstructive role in Lebanon, especially with the election of the president of the country, to which Casey replied that "I think if the country that occupied Lebanon for decades and continues to oppose the efforts of the Lebanese people to develop their democracy thinks we're doing something wrong, then we're probably doing something right."

Casey said "I am not sure what his specific accusations are against the United States, but what our policy is is to support the will of the Lebanese people, to support the legitimately elected government of that country, and to see the Lebanese people have an opportunity not only to choose their President but to choose all their political leaders free from outside interference or domination from Syria or from any other actors."