Shultz accuses Syria of blocking cease-fire

Secretary of State George Shultz bitterly accused Syria of blocking efforts to bring about a cease-fire and national reconciliation in Lebanon. Mr. Shultz's statements before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday were the administration's sharpest criticism so far of the Syrian role in Lebanon.

Shultz also gave his backing to a congressional resolution that would allow the US Marines to stay in Lebanon for 18 months more. A precipitate withdrawal of US forces would send the wrong message to the world, he said.