The United States is stepping up pressure on Syria to leave Lebanon by working with Egypt and Saudi Arabia on the issue, the Washington Post reported Thursday.

Unidentified US government officials were quoted as saying thatEgypt, which accounts for more than half the Arab world's population, and oil rich Saudi Arabia have particular clout in dealing with Syria.

"Syria listens to them in a way that is distinct from our bilateral relations or in dealing with Europe, so it's an important element," the official said.

The two Arab states are now trying to broker a timetable for Syria to withdraw its force of more than 14,000 troops from Lebanon, preferably within the next two months, the newspaper said.

The newspaper also reported that the Arab League summit in Algeria from March 22 to 23 is expected to take up the Syrian issue.

"What we are seeing is an emerging consensus that the status quo is untenable," the official is quoted as saying. "We will be working to encourage the Arab League, including Algeria, to impress upon Syria the importance of withdrawing."

Under the increasing international pressure, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said his country will withdraw its troops fromLebanon in a few months, Time magazine reported Tuesday.

Prior to al-Assad's pledge, Syria said it would begin moving its troops in Lebanon closer to its own border but did not announce a timetable.