State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said Thursday that Syria and Iran pose a big problem to Lebanon and are not averse to interfering in the country's affairs. Speaking during an interview with LBC Thursday, Ereli said: "Syria poses a big problem to Lebanon," adding that "Iran and Syria both have a common interest in interfering with Lebanon's affairs.""Syria is trying to determine what happens in Lebanon and intimidating Lebanese politicians," he said. He added that the "Shebaa Farms are being used to keep the situation in Lebanon unsettled." Commenting on Hizbullah's weapons, he said: "You cannot have democracy and a mafia; that is why you need to disarm all mafias."
Ereli's statements came as Premier Fouad Siniora said he was in the U.S. seeking support to strengthen Lebanon's sovereignty and independence, and to liberate its remaining occupied territories as well as to enhance its defense strategies and build-up its economy.