WASHINGTON, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Friday that the future Lebanese leader should strive for democracy, independence and sovereignty of the country.

    "We are firm supporters of Lebanon's democracy...independence and sovereignty... And I would expect that the next president of Lebanon would be someone who is no less a supporter of those ideals and those principles," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said

    "But, ultimately, it is going to be up to the Lebanese people, Lebanese political leadership to decide upon who is going to lead them as president," he added.

    The spokesman also reiterated U.S. support for Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, saying Siniora, in the face of a threat of violence and intimidation, has stuck fast to the principles of political reform, democracy and sovereignty in the country.

    Lebanon's MPs are due to assemble on Sept. 25 to elect a new president to succeed incumbent pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud, whose term expires in November.

    Washington accuses Iran and Syria of meddling in Lebanon's affairs, and has been boycotting Lebanon's pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud, who allegedly wants to bring down Siniora's government.