WASHINGTON, Aug 27 (AFP) - The White House urged Syria on Friday not to seek to influence Lebanon's upcoming presidential election, amid a controversial effort to enable Damascus' favorite to seek a new term.
"The United States believes strongly that the best interests of both Lebanon and Syria are served by a positive and constructive relationship, based upon principles of mutual respect and non-intervention, between two neighboring sovereign and independent states," said spokesman Scott McClellan.
"This includes respect for the freedom of the Lebanese people to decide the fate of their nation and its leadership, without pressure or interference from any outside party," he said in a statement.
"The United States looks forward to elections in Lebanon that respect Lebanese institutions, including Lebanon's existing constitution, and that are free of any foreign interference," said McClellan.
His comments came amid a controversy over efforts to change the Lebanese constitution to allow Syria's favorite President Emile Lahoud to stand for re-election.
Lahoud, whose term of office runs out on November 24, has made it clear he is willing to run for another term as Damascus wishes.
Syria's overwhelming political influence in Lebanon, where it has up to 20,000 troops, means it can also count on a majority of the 128 members of parliament.
"The United States believes in a democratic future for the Middle East, and a future for Lebanon that is independent, fully sovereign, and free of all foreign forces," said McClellan.