US defends actions of Lebanese troops

The Bush administration offered support Monday for the Lebanese government and its troops in battling a militant group inside a Palestinian refugee camp, although the White House expressed concern about civilian casualties.

The State Department defended the actions of Lebanese troops, declaring they are working in a "legitimate manner" against "provocations by violent extremists" operating out of a Palestinian refugee camp.

"This is a group that has been involved in violence to achieve whatever their stated objective may be," spokesman Sean McCormack said.

At the White House, deputy press secretary Tony Fratto expressed concern about the violence and civilian casualties.

"We believe the parties should take a step back from violence. We are firm believers in Lebanon's democracy and sovereignty and support Prime Minister Siniora's efforts to deal with fighting in the country," he said.

The U.S. comments came as Lebanese troops pounded a Palestinian refugee camp with artillery and tank fire for a second day in the worst eruption of violence since the end of the 1975-90 civil war. Dozens of combatants have been killed.

The Fatah Islam group has suspected al-Qaida ties but McCormack declined to discuss outside connections that the organization may have.

Lebanese officials have also accused Syria of using Fatah Islam to stir up trouble in Lebanon, a charge Damascus has denied. Asked specifically about a possible Syrian link, McCormack said, "At this point I wouldn't draw that connection."

He also declined to draw a parallel between the outbreak of violence and movement at the United Nations toward the establishment of a tribunal to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut.