Washington looks forward to work with new Syrian government

The US has congratulated Muhammad Mustafa Miro for being appointed as the prime minister of the Syrian government and stated that the expected government reshuffle will not affect Syria's commitment to continuing the peace process. The US has also reiterated that it prefers that the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon be made in the context of a pan-peace agreement.

The spokesman for the US State Department, James Rubin, said that his government is looking forward to working with the Syrian government after its formation.

He added, replying to a question on the effect of this new government on the negotiations with Israel, that, "President Assad has made it clear that Syria is committed to reaching an agreement with Israel, and we do not believe this cabinet change will affect that commitment."

Rubin continued that there is nothing new concerning the continued contacts between the US and each of Syria and Israel on the resumption of negotiations.

In this context, the spokesman for the White House, Joe Lockhart, said that his government prefers and backs an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in the context of an "overall negotiated settlement. We believe that the needs of the parties are best met through the negotiations, discussions that they have had and will continue to work as part of our effort as an honest broker in those talks."