WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Bush administration plans to increase military aid and other support to the Lebanese government headed by Prime Minister Fuad Siniora following the murder of Lebanese cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday.

    The United States will try to maintain solidarity with the Lebanese government both militarily and politically, the unnamed official said, without giving details.

    Earlier Wednesday, U.S. President George W. Bush called Siniorato reaffirm U.S. support for Lebanon after the murder of Lebanese industry cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel.

    "President Bush reiterated to Prime Minister Siniora the unwavering commitment of the United States to help build Lebanese democracy, and to support Lebanese independence from the encroachments of Iran and Syria," National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

    Two weeks ago, the Bush administration promised to provide a military aid of up to 10.5 million dollars to Lebanon for the Lebanese government to deploy troops in the southern part of the country following its conflicts with Israel in July and August.