Obama voices support for embattled Lebanon PM

US President Barack Obama expressed support for Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and a UN-backed tribunal in talks on Wednesday amid a crisis in Beirut that forced the collapse of his coalition government, the White House said.

Obama and Hariri agreed that all parties should "avoid threats or action" that could cause further instability, and the White House said Hezbollah's resignation from his government showed its "own fear" and determination to undermine its ability to function. (Reuters)