WASHINGTON, May 9 (Xinhua) -- The United States is "very troubled" by Hezbollah's violent actions against the Lebanese government, U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Friday.

    Speaking to reporters at U.S. President George W. Bush's private ranch at Crawford, Texas, Johndroe said: "We urge Hezbollah to stop their attempt to defy the lawful decisions taken by the democratically elected Lebanese government."

    "We also urge Iran and Syria to stop their support of Hezbollah and its destabilizing effects on Lebanon," the spokesman added.

    Bush, who is to visit Middle East next week, hopes to meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Johndroe said.

    "We certainly expect to see Prime Minister Siniora in Sharm el-Sheikh next week. The president would like to see him next Saturday or Sunday. But if he feels the situation on the ground doesn't permit him to do that, we understand that as well," said the spokesman.

    Urging Middle East countries to support the Siniora government, Johndroe said: "We have confidence in the government of Lebanon .... And the United States stands firmly with the Lebanese government and the people of Lebanon."

    Lebanon's government declared on Tuesday Hezbollah's telecommunications network illegal and a threat to state security.

    The cabinet also decided to dismiss the security chief of the country's only international airport Wafik Shqaier over his alleged links to Hezbollah.

    Those cabinet decisions sparked clashes between the government supporters and the opposition Hezbollah with gunfights in several parts of the country, roads blocked and Beirut's airport effectively shut down.

    At least 15 people have reportedly died in three days of violence.