France and the US have agreed on their determination to obtain the full and complete implementation of UN resolution 1559 on the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.

French President Jacques Chirac and his US counterpart George W. Bush made this decision during a telephone conversation.

The two leaders also recognized the importance of the upcoming visit to Lebanon of a UN special envoy to evaluate the development of the situation, and agreed to remain in constant contact on the issue.

Earlier, Syria pledged to pull back its troops in Lebanon towards the eastern Bekaa Valley by the end of March but stopped short of announcing the rapid withdrawal.