UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations Security Council on Thursday narrowly voted in favor of a US-proposed resolution demanding respect of Lebanon's political independence and Syrian forces' withdrawal from Lebanon.

    The vote by the 15-nation council was nine in favor and six abstentions, with none of the five permanent members -- China, Russia, France, Britain and the United States -- exercising veto power.

    The resolution, co-sponsored by France, Britain and Germany, was approved despite strong appeals from Lebanon and Syria for the council not to proceed with it. Enditem