US president George W. Bush telephoned the head of Lebanon's unconstitutional government Fouad Saniora to give, again, his backing for the presidential vote. Dana Perino, the White House spokeswoman said that Bush briefed Saniora about his meetings this week with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicholas Sarkozy. She added that Saniora reiterated his commitment to ensuring the February 14 should be able to elect a president in time and according to the constitution free from external interference, "especially from Syria."