BEIRUT, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. warship has crossed the Egyptian Suez Canal towards the Mediterranean as Lebanon political crisis boiled into sectarian clashes, As-Safier daily reported Monday.

    U.S. had previously sent the USS Cole guided-missiles destroyer off the Lebanese coast on Feb. 28 and left to the gulf in March.

    U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had defended the previous deployment, saying it was aimed at showing "Washington's readiness to defend its ally's interest in the region."

    U.S. Charge D'affaires in Lebanon Sunday night met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora "in a significant sign of moral support," Hezbollah's Al Manar TV commented.

    Fighting between ruling coalition supporters and Hezbollah-led oppositions erupted Wednesday and spread across the country, leaving more than 40 killed, and at least 100 wounded.

    Lebanon is currently facing the most serious political deadlock since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. For the first time in its history, the presidential seat has been vacant since Nov. 24 of 2007 when former President Emile Lahoud stepped down.

    The presidency deadlock deepened the Lebanese political crisis as fears are mounting that failure in reaching a deal on the presidential candidate could result in more violence in the country.