WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States said on Monday that the resignation of the Lebanese government is "an opportunity" for the Lebanese people to have a new government thatrepresents the country's diversity.

    "The resignation of the (Prime Minister Omar) Karami governmentrepresents an opportunity for the Lebanese people to have a new government that is truly representative of their country's diversity," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at a news briefing.

    "The new government will have the responsibility of implementing free and fair elections that the Lebanese people haveclearly demonstrated they desire," McClellan said.

    McClellan said that the United States believes that the processof a new government should proceed in accordance with the Lebaneseconstitution and should be free of all foreign interference.

    Meanwhile, McClellan reiterated the US demand that Syria shouldpull its troops out of Lebanon.

    Karami, under pressure since the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, told the parliament his government was resigning. President Emile Lahoud has accepted the resignation. Enditem