In the first phase of a Syrian redeployment, soldiers evacuated their long-held posts in Lebanon's north and mountains on Wednesday, heading east to the Bekaa Valley.

The 14-thousand Syrian troops in Lebanon are to pull to the eastern Bekaa Valley, then to the border.

Lebanese officials said the pullback would be completed by March 23 and the full withdrawal would come soon after.

Apart from the withdrawal of all Syrian troops, U.S. President George W. Bush has reiterated his call on Syria to remove its intelligence forces from Lebanon.

"One of the things that people don't understand is that Syrian influence is heavy-handed through the involvement of its intelligence services throughout the government. And they must remove both, in order for the election to be free and we're working with friends and allies about steps forward," Bush said.

Bush also says the US is consulting allies about possible steps if Damascus refuses complete the promised withdrawal.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's prime minister Omar Karami, forced to resign last week, was virtually assured of being asked to form the next government after a majority of lawmakers backed him.

However Faris Bouweiz, member of the Lebanese parliament questioned Karami's political ability. "We do not think that this regime is able to form a cabinet of national unity and we do not think that Karami who failed the first time in that, to be able capable to form such cabinet," Bouweiz said.

An unofficial count gave more than half the votes in the 128-member legislature.

Lebonese President Lahoud says he will discuss the figures with the parliamentary speaker on Thursday ahead of appointing a premier.