U.S.: 'Elections on Time More Important than Syria's Military Evacuat

The United States is showing increased concern over the status of the legislative elections in Lebanon in light of the delaying tactics employed by Syria's reigning political allies in Beirut to avert the formation of a new government that could meet the constitutional deadline for the polls in May.

"The Syrians need to withdraw completely military and intelligence presence," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a Washington briefing Tuesday. "But more important, it's part of the process of letting the Lebanese decide their own future…. The Lebanese need to organize elections on time and allow the people to express their views."

Asked whether the United States was satisfied with the progress of Syrian military and intelligence evacuation of Lebanon, Boucher said "we're certainly looking to see this proceed apace, urging -- continuing to urge all parties to make sure it happens very soon, as soon as possible, immediately."

Boucher's briefing followed a public salute from President Bush to Lebanon. "The people of Lebanon are rising up to demand their freedom and independence," Bush said in a speech he gave at the U.S. army base of Fort Hood, Texas.

"As the Iraq democracy succeeds, that success is sending a message from Beirut to Tehran that freedom can be the future of every nation," Bush added.