Lebanon's Battle for Independence

Do you think that the Syrians have threatened Lahoud? Could he quit, or would they kill him?

I think, personally, he is not the type to do that.

Could he do it?

I tend to think no.

They would kill him?

I don't want to use that term. He is not free to resign.

How strong is Syria's influence in Lebanon today, and how difficult is this for you?

Syria has its men and people in the country -- supporters, some politicians and quite a number of Syrian intelligence agents. They are effective.

Weren't they behind the killings of the journalists and politicians?

There is a wide perception in the country [to that effect], but I don't have any smoking gun.

You have been hoping to exchange ambassadors with Syria and to demarcate the Lebanese-Syrian boundary but Syria . . .

. . . is delaying that. I am stating my demands in front of the U.N., and I am hoping that the Syrians will do this. We are neighbors with Syria and want to do this in a very friendly manner.

Did the opposition forces come to believe recently that the U.S. had forgotten about Lebanon?

The trip was really intended to send a message that the United States is still committed to Lebanon and that was made clear throughout all the meetings. The U.S. expressed commitment for the territorial integrity of the country and the hope that it would become a beacon of democracy and freedom.