BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a surprise visit to Lebanon Thursday in an effort to bolster a struggling government.
"Everyone is concerned about the situation in Lebanon and about potential instability there," Rice said, making a detour from her announced trip to the United Arab Emirates.
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The concern centered on Lebanon's struggle to emerge from decades of Syrian influence, The Washington Post said.
But, Rice, in a diplomatic snub, scheduled no meeting with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, a Syrian ally.
She said the Lebanese "need a presidency that looks forward and not back and defends Lebanese sovereignty."
