British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on Thursday urged Lebanon to adopt an impartial electoral law and to hold free elections.

Straw said in a statement: "I repeat the call of the international community that there must be full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1559. That means taking steps to adopt an impartial electoral law, facilitate the conduct of free and fair elections according to the Lebanese constitution. And it means complete and rapid withdrawal of Syrian forces and intelligence."

Straw's remarks came after Lebanon's pro-Syrian Omar Karami wasreappointed Thursday as the country's premier, 10 days after he resigned in the face of massive protest and pressure.

"Mr. Karami is in the process of forming his new administration.It is important that the Lebanese people have a government which is without foreign interference and that acts on behalf of all Lebanese people," Straw said.

"This new administration has a responsibility to ensure a proper investigation into the bomb attack of Feb. 14 which killed former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 18 others, and to give fullcooperation to the United Nations Commission of Enquiry," Straw said.

Karami's appointment came as Syrian forces were close to completing their withdrawal from northern Lebanon on the third dayof their redeployment following intense international pressure ledby the United States for a full and immediate pull-out.