U.S. restates support for Lebanese government

WASHINGTON, May 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Friday restated its support for the government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora as it struggled against fighters loyal to Hezbollah in Beirut.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would be telephoning leaders in the region on Friday about the situation, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters.

"I would restate our unswerving commitment and support for the Siniora government," he said. "They are doing all the right things. ... Its use and deployment of the military serve the best interests of the Lebanese people and Lebanon."