The United States has promised to increase military aid to Lebanon once Syrian troops are forced out of that country.

U.S. officials said the Bush administration has offered to consider military sales, increased training and other aid to Lebanon. But the officials said the administration has linked this to the complete withdrawal of Syria's 14,000 troops from Lebanon.

On Tuesday, an estimated 6,000 Syrian troops began to move from central Lebanon toward the eastern Bekaa Valley. Syria has announced a two-stage redeployment to the Lebanese-Syrian border, Middle East Newsline reported.

On Tuesday, President George Bush reaffirmed Washington's intent to help Lebanon's military and security forces. Bush said the United States would provide military aid to ensure the security of parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2005.

"Lebanese people have the right to choose their own parliament this spring, free of intimidation," Bush said. "And that new government will have the help of the international community in building sound political, economic and military institutions, so the great nation of Lebanon can move forward in security and freedom."

"Once Syrian forces depart, and when the Lebanese government asks, we are prepared to expand these programs and to explore others that will improve Lebanese security capabilities across a wide array of missions," U.S. Central Command chief Gen. John Abizaid said.

Officials said this would include the first sales of military platforms to Lebanon. So far, the United States has prevented the transfer of U.S.-origin military equipment by Jordan or Saudi Arabia because of Syria's domination of Lebanon's military.

The United States provides Lebanon with about $35 million in economic and military aid annually. Military aid includes the training of Lebanese officers at U.S. military schools and help in clearing more than 350,000 land mines and unexploded ordinance, particularly in southern Lebanon.

Central Command has deemed Syria a threat to U.S. interests in the Middle East. Officials said Central Command has engaged in a policy to deter Syrian aggression in both Iraq and Lebanon.

"Centcom's military capability in the region acts as a deterrent against more aggressive Syrian behavior," Abizaid told the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 1.

For his part, Abizaid said the United States has also offered to help Lebanon dismantle Palestinian and other insurgency groups in Lebanon. He said once Syria withdraws from Lebanon, Central Command would help Beirut prevent the return of Syrian forces.

"We also stand ready to assist Lebanon disarm private militias and to develop the military skills necessary to conduct counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations that defeat extremist groups and deter their return," Abizaid said. "We are also aware of the degree to which extremism and terrorism could threaten Syria and Lebanon. Thus, we are postured to deter Syria, and remain ready when asked to partner with Lebanon in developing the military capabilities to defeat extremism, terrorism and instability."