"Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has called for an international definition of terrorism, extending beyond that given to it by the United States.

"It is not enough to declare war on what one deems terrorism without giving a precise and exact definition," Lahoud said in a meeting with foreign diplomats on Monday.

He also said it was unacceptable for states to offer their own definition in the absence of an international interpretation, alluding to the United States, which has accused Lebanon of harbouring terrorists."