The United States and France have again called for the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.

Speaking in London at a conference on Palestinian reforms, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and France's foreign minister Michel Barnier called on Syria to implement the United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at ending foreign interference in Lebanon.

Ms. Rice said France and the United States are discussing ways to help Beirut ensure that its next elections are free and fair. She also said the two countries are considering options aimed at stabilizing Lebanon if Syrian troops withdraw.

Lebanon's pro-Syrian government resigned Monday following mass protests and a no-confidence motion in parliament over the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Both the Syrian and the Lebanese governments have denied involvement in the February 14 attack that sparked anti-Syrian demonstrations.

Lebanon's opposition leaders say protests will continue until Syria withdraws its 14,000 troops.