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The
Lebanese parliament during the vote
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The
US, for its part, condemned the parliament's decision to extend
Lahoud's presidential term, calling it a crude mockery of democratic
principles.
"This
was not a victory for Lebanese democracy. The vote does not reflect
the will of the Lebanese people. It was forced upon them by an
occupying force," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said in a
statement, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported.
McClellan
repeated US charges of Syrian pressures to extend Lahoud's term in
office.
"This
manipulation of Lebanese institutions by outside forces will remain on
the international agenda," he said.
"The
United States adds its voice to the protests of Lebanese patriots, and
condemns this interference with Lebanese sovereignty and
independence."
The
US State Department had earlier said the vote of the Lebanese
parliament for extending Lahoud's presidential term was a result of
Syrian pressures.
"We
are gravely concerned that the will of the Lebanese people has been
circumvented by Syrian actions that led to this vote," spokesman
Tom Casey said.
France
also expressed concern over the Lebanese parliament's decision.
"France
was concerned over the Lebanese parliament's vote for amending the
constitution," said spokeswoman of the French foreign ministry
Cecile Pozzo di Borgo.
She
added the decision poses a challenge to the international community
and causes grave political developments in Lebanon.
"The
constitutional amendment which came on the heels of the UN Security
Council resolution forms a challenge to the international community
and opens door for grave political changes in Lebanon that runs
counter to the democratic principles in the country."
The
constitutional amendment is the third regarding the presidential term
since the country's independence in 1943.
In
1995, the presidential term of Elias Hraoui was extended for three
years.
Three
years later, Lahoud was able to stand for president after the rules
were changed, because he had not resigned as head of the armed forces
soon enough to be eligible.
Lebanon
has rejected the UN Security Council resolution, calling it unprecedented
interference in its internal affairs.
