WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Friday said Washington would provide support to Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora battling a deadly offensive by Hezbollah fighters.

"We will stand by the Lebanese government and peaceful citizens of Lebanon through this crisis and provide the support they need to weather this storm," Rice said in a statement.

Rice repeated the US condemnation of the violence and singled out Syria and Iran for backing Hezbollah.

"We condemn the use of violence by illegitimate armed groups and call upon all parties to respect the rule of law," she said.

"Backed by Syria and Iran, Hezbollah and its allies are killing and injuring fellow citizens, undermining the legitimate authority of the Lebanese government and the institutions of the Lebanese state.

"Seeking to protect their state within a state, Hezbollah has ... demonstrated its contempt for its fellow Lebanese."

Hezbollah fighters Friday seized control of west Beirut after three days of deadly street battles with pro-government foes which have pushed Lebanon dangerously close to all-out civil war.

US State Department officials said the United States would provide diplomatic and political support to Siniora, ruling out any military backing for the time being.

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